The ROMK-cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator connection: new insights into the relationship between ROMK and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channels

The structure of ATP-sensitive K+ (K-ATP) channels in excitable cells has been elucidated recently. These channels consist of a pore-forming inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channel and four sulfonylurea receptor proteins. In the distal nephron, Kir 1.1 (ROMK) channels probably contribute to the formation of epithelial (K-ATP) channels. Current findings suggest the possibility that these renal K-ATP channels consist of Kir 1.1 channel-CFTR complexes and therefore represent structural analogues of classical K-ATP channels.