Two proteins that regulate potassium in stem cells discovered

Scientists at the Texas Tech University and the University of Wisconsin have discovered two proteins that play a role in monitoring potassium levels in stem cells. This is a vital discovery because this can improve certain diseases involving the heart and nerves. Furthermore, it can lead to diagnosis of diseases faster. Potassium is used in many tasks: to divide stem cells, in the contraction of muscle and nerve cells, and to relay data in the brain. Voltage-gated potassium channel proteins are important in organs to carry out tasks essential to life. By having a detail understanding how these proteins develop in stem cells, scientists can detect and also treat certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and some cardiovascular diseases. I find this article interesting because they discovered these proteins by accident but can lead a new light to the medical industry. By researching stem cells more in depth, we can discover other factors that can lead to treatments of diseases that our society is confronted with.

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