Human TWIK-2 Potassium Channel: Insights on Structure and Pimozide Inhibition

Fast Summary:

• The TWIK-2 potassium channel belongs to the two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channel superfamily.
• It has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for managing severe inflammatory injury, specifically involving the NLRP3 inflammasome.
• Researchers have reported the cryo-EM structure of this channel in a recent study published in Volume 122, Issue 19 of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, May 2025.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
the findings on TWIK-2 potassium channels present significant implications for biomedical research and therapies targeting inflammation-related conditions, which are increasingly relevant globally, including within India. India faces a growing burden of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases due to lifestyle factors and environmental changes. Understanding structures like TWIK-2 could pave the way for innovative treatments that alleviate disease impacts on affected populations. For India’s medical research sector, such advancements underscore opportunities to engage further in structural biology and pharmacology collaborations while catering to domestic healthcare demands.Read More