K- GENERATING EXCITEMENT IN PANCREATIC BETA-CELLS( CHANNELS )

K+ channels play a key role in cellular physiology by regulating the e fflux of K+ ions, They are the most diverse group of ion channel prote ins; more than 30 K+ channel genes have been characterized, Regulated by ATP, voltage, and calcium, multiple K+ channels coexist in the beta -cell to regulate membrane potential, cell excitability, and insulin s ecretion, Recent developments at the molecular level have greatly expa nded our understanding of beta-cell K+ channel structure and function, especially in regard to the ATP-sensitive K+ channel, the target for sulfonylurea drugs. Mutations in K+ channel genes underlie diseases as diverse as persistent hyperinsulinemia of infancy, cardiac long QT sy ndrome, cerebellar degeneration, and certain ataxias, These discoverie s have identified new pharmacological targets for possible therapeutic intervention in the treatment of diabetes.