Cryo-EM structure of the human THIK-1 K2P K channel reveals a lower Y gate regulated by lipids and anesthetics.

THIK-1 (KCNK13) is a halothane-inhibited and anionic-lipid-activated two-pore domain (K2P) K channel implicated in microglial activation and neuroinflammation, and a current target for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, for example Alzheimer's disease and amyothropic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, compared to other K2P channels, little is known about the structural and functional properties of THIK-1. Here we present a 3.

Structures of TASK-1 and TASK-3 K2P channels provide insight into their gating and dysfunction in disease.

TASK-1 and TASK-3 are pH-sensitive two-pore domain (K2P/KCNK) K channels. Their functional roles make them promising targets for treatment of multiple disorders including sleep apnea, pain, and atrial fibrillation. Mutations in these channels are also associated with neurodevelopmental and hypertensive disorders.

Ultrasound Morphology of Presumed Normal Anal Sacs in Dogs and Cats.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of canine and feline anal sacs is a practical promising modality to identify anal sac disease. However, limited data are available about normal ultrasound morphology of the anal sacs. This study describes the ultrasound morphology of presumed normal anal sacs in a larger sample of client-owned dogs and cats.

Extracellular modulation of TREK-2 activity with nanobodies provides insight into the mechanisms of K2P channel regulation.

Potassium channels of the Two-Pore Domain (K2P) subfamily, KCNK1-KCNK18, play crucial roles in controlling the electrical activity of many different cell types and represent attractive therapeutic targets. However, the identification of highly selective small molecule drugs against these channels has been challenging due to the high degree of structural and functional conservation that exists not only between K2P channels, but across the whole K channel superfamily. To address the issue of selectivity, here we generate camelid antibody fragments (nanobodies) against the TREK-2 (KCNK10) K2P K channel and identify selective binders including several that directly modulate channel activity.

A comprehensive analysis of albuminuria in canine chronic kidney disease.

Background: Albuminuria, an important marker of decreased kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD), is not routinely used for CKD detection or proteinuria appearance. Its relationships with biochemical parameters and blood pressure in dogs are poorly understood.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of albuminuria with various CKD markers, its correlation with the urinary protein to creatinine ratio (UPC), and hypertension in dogs with early stages of CKD.