Protein Network Interacting with BK Channels.

The large conductance, voltage- and calcium-dependent potassium BK channel, also termed BKCa, Maxi-K, KCa1.1, or SLO1, regulates a wide array of key biological processes that are mediated by calcium ions. This broad regulatory function of BK channels requires the interactions of BK channels with diverse sets of proteins that have different molecular or cellular functions. Proteins that interact with BK channels range from the auxiliary subunits of BK channels to cytoskeletal proteins responsible for BK channel trafficking and localization. Furthermore, depending on cellular contexts, BK channels interact with proteins modifying channel properties, and with proteins that allow cell-specific responses. In this chapter, we review some of the relevant studies investigating the protein interaction network of BK channels with a focus on the biological roles of the interaction.