Fig. 7: Proposed model of Kir6.1/K-ATP channel involved in regulation of microglia phenotypes and neurodegeneration.
From: Kir6.1/K-ATP channel modulates microglia phenotypes: implication in Parkinson’s disease
a Under physiological conditions, microglia exist in a resting state with ramified morphology. They dramatically polarize into M1 or M2 phenotype upon different immunological stimuli or injury. Kir6.1/K-ATP channel switches microglia from the detrimental M1 phenotype toward the beneficial M2 phenotype. Suppression of Kir6.1/K-ATP channel inhibits M2 polarization and exaggerates M1 polarization via activation of p38 MAPK. b Suppression of Kir6.1/K-ATP channel compromises neuroprotective effects of M2 microglia and accordingly exaggerates detrimental effects of M1 microglia. The increased ratio of M1/M2 microglia contributes to extensive neuron death and aggravates neurodegeneration
