Modulation of Kv1.5 Channel Expression and Function by the Sigma 1 Receptor

Sigma 1 receptor (S1R) is an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone ubiquitously expressed with diverse functions. Upon stimulation, it translocates to the plasma membrane interacting, among others, with ion channels. Kv1.5 channels generate the atria-selective current IKur in the heart and control pulmonary vascular tone. Their dysfunction is a common feature in diseases as atrial fibrillation (AF) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), thus being considered as potential targets for development of new drugs.