With more than 80 subunits, potassium (K+) channels represent a group of ion channels showing high degree of diversity and ubiquity. They play important role in the control of membrane depolarization and cell excitability in several tissues, including the brain. Controlling the intracellular and extracellular K+ flow in cells, they also modulate the hormone and neurotransmitter release, apoptosis and cell proliferation. It is therefore not surprising that an improper functioning of K+ channels in neurons has been associated with pathophysiology of a wide range of neurological disorders, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review aims to give a comprehensive overview of the basic properties and pathophysiological functions of the main classes of K+ channels in the context of disease processes, also discussing the progress, challenges and opportunities to develop drugs targeting these channels as potential pharmacological approach for AD treatment.

中文翻译：

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阿尔茨海默氏病潜在神经元稳态和神经退行性途径中的钾通道：最新进展。

钾（K +）通道具有80多个亚基，代表一组离子通道，这些离子通道显示出高度的多样性和普遍性。它们在包括大脑在内的多种组织的膜去极化和细胞兴奋性控制中起着重要作用。它们控制细胞中细胞内和细胞外K +的流动，还调节激素和神经递质的释放，凋亡和细胞增殖。因此，不足为奇的是神经元中K +通道功能异常与多种神经系统疾病，尤其是阿尔茨海默氏病（AD）的病理生理相关。这篇综述旨在全面概述疾病过程中主要K ​​+通道类别的基本特性和病理生理功能，并讨论其进展，