The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 regulates peripheral insulin sensitivity.

Kv1.3 is a voltage-gated potassium (K) channel expressed in a number of tissues, including fat and skeletal muscle. In this study, the authors show Kv1.3 gene deletion and channel inhibition increase peripheral insulin sensitivity in vivo. Baseline and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake are increased in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle of Kv1.3-/- mice. Inhibition of Kv1.3 activity facilitates the translocation of the glucose transporter, GWT4, to the plasma membrane. It also suppresses c-JUN terminal kinase activity in fat and skeletal muscle and decreases IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor secretion by adipose tissue.