Figure 6.
AK phosphotransfer communicates mitochondria-generated signals to KATP channels. AK molecules form a phosphorelay network connecting mitochondria with the cell membrane. Under hypoxic stress, mitochondrial FoF1-ATPase consumes cellular ATP generating ADP, which is delivered to the KATP channel through the chain of sequential AK-catalyzed phosphotransfer reactions. The inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir6.2) and the SUR are the pore-forming and regulatory subunits of the KATP channel complex.