The ROMK-cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator connection: new insights into the relationship between ROMK and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channels.

The structure of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels in excitable cells has been elucidated recently. These channels consist of a pore-forming inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channel and four sulfonylurea receptor proteins. In the distal nephron, Kir 1.1 (ROMK) channels probably contribute to the formation of epithelial (KATP) channels. Current findings suggest the possibility that these renal KATP channels consist of Kir 1.1 channel-CFTR complexes and therefore represent structural analogues of classical KATP channels.