General anesthesia mediated by effects on ion channels

Figure 2 The trans-membrane structures and subunit formulation of the potassium channels and phylogenetic tree of K_2P channels in humans. A: The trans-membrane structures and subunit formulation of the potassium channels. BK channels (background) are made up of four α-subunits and the four β subunits. Structures of K_ir or K_ATP channels are the simplest. Their subunit has two trans-membrane segments connected by a pore loop. Four subunits form a functional channel pore. K_2P channels are made of a tetrameric pore made up of two subunits. Subunits of K_V channels have six trans-membrane regions and trans-membrane domain S4 acts as the voltage sensor; B: Phylogenetic tree of K_2P channels from humans. The chromosomal localization, nomenclature and functional properties of each subunit are indicated. Different colors indicate the functional subgroups. TASK1: TWIK-related acid-sensitive K⁺; K_2P: Two-pore-domain K⁺.