Figure 6.

Schematic model of the functional consequences of Ziapin2 partitioning in the cell membrane. Under experimental conditions, HEK293T cells present a significantly higher concentration of K⁺ ions in the intracellular compartment (135 mM) compared to the extracellular environment (5.4 mM). The vast majority of hTRAAK channels remain closed, avoiding the outflux of K⁺. The insertion in the membrane and the consequent formation of Ziapin2 dimers lead to a thinning of the membrane and an increase of the cell capacitance. The membrane stretch caused by Ziapin2 dimerization induces the opening of hTRAAK channels with the consequent generation of a K⁺ outflux. The generation of an outflux of positively charged ions induces a hyperpolarization of the resting potential. Light stimulation triggers Ziapin2 dimer breaking, favoring cell membrane relaxation and hTRAAK channels closing. During illumination, compensatory mechanisms take place to restore physiological resting potential.