Conditional KCa3.1-transgene induction in murine skin produces pruritic eczematous dermatitis with severe epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis

Pathophysiological Roles of Ion Channels in Epidermal Cells, Immune Cells, and Sensory Neurons in Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by the rapid abnormal growth of skin cells in the epidermis, driven by an overactive immune system. Consequently, a complex interplay among epidermal cells, immune cells, and sensory neurons contributes to the development and progression of psoriasis. In these cellular contexts, various ion channels, such as acetylcholine receptors, TRP channels, Ca2+ release-activated channels, chloride channels, and potassium channels, each serve specific functions to maintain the homeostasis of the skin. The dysregulation of ion channels plays a major role in the pathophysiology of psoriasis, affecting various aspects of epidermal cells, immune responses, and sensory neuron signaling. Impaired function of ion channels can lead to altered calcium signaling, inflammation, proliferation, and sensory signaling, all of which are central features of psoriasis. This overview summarizes the pathophysiological roles of ion channels in epidermal cells, immune cells, and sensory neurons during early and late psoriatic processes, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of ion channel involvement in the interplay of psoriasis and making a crucial advance toward more precise and personalized approaches for psoriasis treatment.

KCa3.1 in diabetic kidney disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a significant health concern. Innovative strategies to prevent or limit the progression of DKD are urgently needed due to the limitation of existing treatments. KCa3.1, a potassium channel, is involved in a range of biological processes from cell survival to cell death. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the pathophysiological functions of the KCa3.1 channel, specifically its involvement in maintaining mitochondrial function. More specifically, the therapeutic potential of targeting KCa3.1 in DKD is systematically discussed in the review.

RECENT FINDINGS

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the development and progression of DKD. Accumulating evidence indicates that KCa3.1 dysregulation plays a crucial role in mitochondrial dysfunction, in addition to driving cellular activation, proliferation and inflammation. Recent studies demonstrate that KCa3.1 deficiency improves diabetes-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in DKD, which is attributed to modulation of mitochondrial quality control through mitigating the altered mitochondrial dynamics and restoring abnormal BNIP3-mediated mitophagy.

SUMMARY

Based on its role in fibrosis, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, pharmacological inhibition of KCa3.1 may offer a promising alternative for the treatment of DKD. Due to its safety profile in humans, the repurposing of senicapoc has the potential to expedite an urgently needed new drug in DKD.