Voltage-gated Potassium Channels (Kv7): Molecular Structure, Regulation, and Role in Pathogenesis

The potassium channels of the Kv7 family, comprising KCNQ1 to KCNQ5, assume a critical role in the regulation of membrane potential and cellular excitability within the nervous, cardiovascular, sensory, and endocrine systems.Their specificity to distinct tissues makes them associated with a wide range of pathological conditions, including epileptic encephalopathy, long QT syndrome, hearing impairment, and diabetes mellitus.The intricate molecular mechanisms regulating Kv7 channel function-including interactions with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP), calmodulin, and receptor-mediated signaling pathways-make these channels a key target for research in neuropharmacology and precision medicine.This review presents a comprehensive