RESUMO
In the current work the authors present the most interesting, yet not fully understood issues regarding origin, function and pharmacology of the mitochondrial potassium channels. There are eight potassium channels known to contribute to the potassium permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane: ATP-regulated channel, calcium-regulated channels of large, intermediate and small conductance, voltage-regulated Kv1.3 and Kv7.4 channels, two-pore-domain TASK-3 channel and SLO2 channel. The primary function of the mitochondrial potassium channels is regulation of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, mitochondrial potassium channels alter cellular respiration, regulation of the mitochondrial volume and ROS synthesis. However, mechanisms underlying these processes are not fully understood yet. In this work, the authors not only present available knowledge about this topic, but also put certain hypotheses that may set the direction for the future research on these proteins.