ATP‐Sensitive Potassium Channels and Their Physiological and Pathophysiological Roles

current in a particular tissue. A combination of mutagenesis work combined with structural studies has identified how these channels work as molecular machines. They have a variety of physiological roles including controlling the release of insulin from pancreatic β cells and regulating blood vessel tone and blood pressure. Furthermore, mutations in the genes underlie human diseases such as congenital diabetes and hyperinsulinism. Additionally, opening of these channels is protective in a number of pathological conditions such as myocardial ischemia and stroke. © 2018 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:1463-1511, 2018.