[Superfamily of voltage dependent K+ channels: structure, functions and pathology].

In this review the recent studies related to the voltage dependent K+ channels are discussed. During the last 15 years the molecular cloning revealed a large number of alpha-subunits of voltage dependent K+ channels. This approach enabled to elucidate the properties of different types of channels and, in particular, characteristics of such structural elements as auxiliary subunits. These subunits are mainly responsible for the ionic permeability features of alpha-subunits. There are several cytoplasmic and membrane-associated auxiliary subunits such as beta-subunits, minK (minimal K+ channel peptide), MiRP (minK-related peptide), KChAP (K+ channel-associated protein), KChIP (K+ channel-interacting protein) and NCS (neuronal calcium sensor).