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内向整流型钾离子通道(Kir)是一类特殊的钾离子选择性通道,具有内向整流性,即钾离子内流较外流容易得多。这类离子通道介导许多细胞功能,包括维持静息膜电位,维持钾离子平衡稳态以及调节细胞代谢水平。由于哺乳动物中存在15个Kir基因,目前在单个离子通道突变动物中进行的遗传学研究可能因为基因冗余而未能揭示这类通道的许多重要生理功能。这一问题可通过使用简单模型动物来解决,比如整个基因组只含3个Kir基因的果蝇。在果蝇上开展的成熟的遗传学研究方法还可为发现更多的Kir通道调控机制提供有力的工具。因此在这里我们综述了果蝇Kir离子通道的研究进展。对果蝇Kir通道的了解将会引导我们发现人类Kir通道的新的功能及调控机制,并有助于相关疾病的病理学研究。
Inward rectifier potassium channel (Kir) is a special class of potassium ion-selective channels, with inward rectification, that is, potassium influx is much easier than outflow. Such ion channels mediate many cellular functions, including maintaining resting membrane potential, maintaining potassium homeostasis, and regulating cellular metabolism. Due to the presence of 15 Kir genes in mammals, the current genetic studies in single ion channel mutants may fail to reveal many of the important physiological functions of such channels due to genetic redundancy. This problem can be solved by using simple model animals, such as Drosophila, which contains only three Kir genes throughout the genome. The well-established genetic research methods carried out on fruit flies can also provide powerful tools for discovering more mechanisms of Kir channel regulation. Therefore, here we review the research progress of Kir ion channels in Drosophila melanogaster. Knowledge of Drosophila Kir channels will lead us to discover new functions and regulatory mechanisms of human Kir channels and to contribute to the pathology of related diseases.