| abstract |
Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the beta subunit of the mammalian large-conductance ("maxi-K") potassium channel, cells transformed with such nucleic acids, and beta subunit proteins produced by the transformed cells. Within the invention are recombinant host cells expressing alpha beta heteromultimers. Such cells or preparations made from them may be used to screen for pharmacologically active modulators of maxi-K channel activity. Such modulators are potentially useful in treating asthma, pregnant human myometrium, hypertension and angina, cerebral ischemia, and conditions where stimulation of neurotransmitter release is desired, such as in Alzheimer's disease and stimulation of damaged nerves. |