K2P2.1 expression in humans is largely restricted to the brain with some expression in ovary and small intestine while K2P2.1expression in rodents is more widespread.K2P2.1 has an important role in mood regulation, as knockout mice show resistance to depression, suggesting that K2P2.1 may be a potential target for anti-depressants.K2P2.1 is involved in the fast release of glutamate from astrocytes. It requires the activation of Gαi, dissociation of Gβγ, followed by the opening of the glutamate permeable K2P2.1 (TREK-1) K+ channel through its interaction with Gβγ. For this purpose, TREK-1 is localized at the cell surface of the cell body and processes of astrocytes.
