The two pore domain K+ channels TREK and TRAAK are opened by membrane stret
ch. The activating mechanical force comes from the bilayer membrane and is
independent of the cytoskeleton. Emerging work shows that mechano-gated TRE
K and TRAAK are opened by,various lipids,including long chain polyunsaturat
ed anionic fatty acids and neutral cone-shaped: lysophospholipids. TREK-1 s
hares the properties of the Aplysia neuronal S channel, a presynaptic backg
round K+ channel involved in behavioral sensitization, a simple form of lea
rning.