Fig. 3.

Schematic models of possible mechanisms by which K⁺ channels could control cell migration and proliferation processes. A: changes in membrane potential (ΔV_m), cell volume/shape, pH (ΔpH), Ca²⁺ signal {intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_in)}, or other signaling pathways could trigger the effect of K⁺ channel modulation on cell migration/proliferation. B: bidirectional autocrine loop linking K⁺ channels to growth factor receptors, such EGFR, may be another control mechanism of epithelial repair by K⁺ channels. C: direct interaction between K⁺ channels and proteins of the migratory machinery such as integrins and cytoskeleton may also occur during wound repair.