[Potassium channels and autophagy].

Potassium channels have multitudinous subtypes, which are widely distributed on cell membranes. They affect various cellular physiological functions through participating in processes such as resting potential formation, substance transportation, enzyme activity and cellular communication. Autophagy is a significant mechanism to maintain intracellular metabolic homeostasis. The abnormity of autophagy may lead to the occurrence and development of multiple diseases. Recently, it has been reported that K ⁺ channels and cell autophagy are closely related. Here, we reviewed the recent research progresses on regulation of autophagy signaling, autophagy flux or autophagolysosome formation by K ⁺ channel, and discussed the physiological significance of autophagy regulation by K ⁺ channel.