To function properly, Kv channels depend on endogenous ancillary proteins, which can be separated into cytosolic and transmembrane subunits (4). The transmembrane proteins, called β-subunits, are often essential determinants of the expression and function of Kv channels in general, and there is substantial evidence that this also is the case for Kv7 channels (4, 7, 8). The β-subunits KCNE1 (also called mink) and KCNE2–5 (or mink-related peptides) can associate with the Kv7 channel and regulate its expression and function (5). Best known is the KCNE1 modulation of Kv7.1 in the cardiomyocytes, but KCNE subtypes have been found to exist also in other systems (5). KCNE1 increased Kv7.5 currents by impeding their activation (5). KCNE2 was found to accelerate the activation and deactivation kinetics of Kv7.2/3 currents. KCNE4 enhanced Kv7.4 current amplitude, whereas KCNE3 abolished Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 currents (5).

Cytosolic regulatory molecules and accessory proteins have been shown to interact with the long COOH-terminal region of Kv7 α-subunits (1). The regulatory protein calmodulin seems to play a key role in the Kv7.2/3 maturation and plasma membrane expression (1), the latter possibly due to regulation of the Kv7 channel exit from endoplasmic reticulum (6). In addition, calmodulin suppresses the Kv7 channel as a result of increased intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations (9). The phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP₂) has an influence on the Kv7 channel open probability, and increased PIP₂ concentrations stabilize the channel in its open state (10–12). A recent study revealed that both PIP₂ and βγ G protein should be present for effective Kv7.4 channel function (12). Syntaxin 1A interacts with Kv7.2 and is a possible regulator of neurotransmitter release. The adaptor protein ankyrin-G allows heteromeric Kv7.2/3 to localize to the axon initial segment and Ranvier nodes, important sites for action potential initiation and propagation (1).

Of particular interest is the cytosolic ubiquitin-protein ligase Nedd4-2 that regulates membrane expression of Kv7.2/3 and Kv7.3/5, as well as Kv7.1/KCNE1 heteromultimers. It is believed that Nedd4-2 promotes ubiquitination, internalization, and degradation of the Kv7 channels, thereby downregulating their current (1). A study using HEK-293 cells indicated that the Nedd4-2 pathway might be crucial in regulating the surface density of Kv7 channels in cardiomyocytes and other cell types (13). This mechanism shares some similarities with the enzyme PCSK9, which binds to the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) and promotes its lysosomal degradation (14). In the same manner as a PCSK9 inhibitor is used to decrease the degradation of the LDL-R, one might question whether a similar approach would be possible regarding Nedd4-2. A Nedd4-2 inhibitor would theoretically increase the membrane expression of the Kv7 channel and could be considered as a pharmacologically alternative to Kv7 channel openers in the future.

The Kv7.1–7.5 subunits have a characteristic tissue distribution. Homotetramers of Kv7.1 in cardiomyocytes associate with the ancillary protein KCNE1. Together, they constitute the functional channels that give rise to the slowly activating I_KS current (13), which plays a central role in ventricular repolarization (5, 6, 15). Mutations in either KCNQ1 or KCNE1, with a subsequent reduction of the current, may lead to congenital long QT syndrome (13). Kv7.1 has been extensively investigated, and almost 300 mutations in the KCNQ1 gene have been identified. The bulk of these leads to a loss-of-function channelopathy, which in turn promotes long QT syndrome (15). People with such mutations are predisposed to the polymorphic ventricular tachycardia torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death.

Furthermore, in HEK-293 cells, long QT syndrome-associated Kv7.1 mutants were found to bind far less calmodulin than wild-type Kv7.1 (16). This disturbed calmodulin–Kv7.1 interaction may be crucial for channel expression (1). Overexpression of calmodulin has been shown to increase Kv7.1 expression, whereas impaired calmodulin-binding has been associated with decreased Kv7.1 expression (16). Calmodulin–Kv7.1 interaction may be relevant for the regulation of I_KS gating as well. A calmodulin antagonist significantly reduced current density of Kv7.1/KCNE1 in Xenopus oocytes. It therefore seems that an interaction of calmodulin and Kv7.1 is important for the expression and function of I_KS and may play a role in the pathophysiology of long QT syndrome. Other consequences of KCNQ1 mutations include altered protein trafficking, with subsequent reduction of cell surface expression, and reduced PIP₂ sensitivity (15).

The M-current was first discovered in bullfrog sympathetic ganglions (17). Since the initial discovery, the M-current has been found to play a central role in regulating neuron excitability and transmitter release. Furthermore, it modulates the characteristics of the action potentials in neurons (6). The channel is widely distributed in both the central nervous system and in peripheral nerves. The M-current consists of tetramers of 7.2, 7.3, and 7.5 subunits (6). They assemble either as homotetramers, or more frequently, in a heteromeric pattern as either Kv7.2/3 or Kv7.3/5 (6, 18, 19).

There is a well-established relationship between certain mutations in the KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 genes and the development of pathologies such as encephalopathy and epilepsy in humans, with benign familial neonatal seizure being the most common phenotype. The mutations may cause a diminished function of the M-current with subsequent neuronal hyperexcitability and reduced seizure threshold (6).

The Kv7 channels play a central role in the sensation of pain as well. It contributes to the initiation and propagation of the neuronal signals originating from painful sensory stimulation. This is due to their role as a regulator of membrane potential in the subthreshold segment of the action potential (20).

Kv7 channels contribute to cell hyperpolarization and regulation of contractility in various rodent and human blood vessels (21–25). Both KCNQ genes and Kv7 proteins were found in the smooth muscle layer of visceral arteries in humans (25), predominantly consisting of the 7.1, 7.4, and 7.5 α-subunits (5). Especially, the α-subunits 7.4 and 7.5 seem to play an important role as regulators of contractility in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) (21, 25–30). Reduced activity of Kv7 has been suggested to result in increased vascular resistance with subsequent HT (21, 27–29).

The presence of Kv7 channels has also been found in rat and hog coronary blood vessels (27, 28, 31). Kv7 channel inhibitors were found to contract isolated coronary arteries, and Kv7 channel activators proved to be effective coronary vasodilators (27, 28). The latter effect was markedly impaired in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and similar findings were observed in isolated aorta, mesenteric, and renal arteries (27, 28). The impaired effect of Kv7 channel activators was associated with a reduction in Kv7.4 abundance (28). It has also been shown that Kv7 channels in coronary arteries contribute to the vasodilatory effect of adenosine (28, 31) and to hypoxia-induced vasodilation (31) and reactive hyperemia (28).

The contribution of Kv7 in regulating VSMC in rat left coronary artery has been demonstrated to be higher than in right coronary artery (32), due to a higher expression of Kv7.1 and Kv7.5. Left coronary arteries were found to be more responsive to cyclic AMP (cAMP) and hypoxia than the right coronary arteries (32). This implies that the relaxation mediated by the cAMP pathway or hypoxia was more pronounced in the left coronary arteries than in right coronary arteries.

Hypertension is associated with sympathetic hyperactivity and parasympathetic hypoactivity (36, 37). An increased resting heart rate (HR) may indicate autonomic dysfunction (38). Chronic elevated HR causes persisting pulsatile stress on the arterial wall and results in remodeling and stiffening of the arteries (38). This may lead to a sustained reduction of the arterial diameter, resulting in a rise in total peripheral resistance (TPR). As an indicator of autonomic dysfunction and contributor to hemodynamic stress, elevated HR plays a central role in the stratification of CV risk.

Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 mediate the slow voltage-gated M-current, which plays a crucial role in neuronal excitability and transmitter release (39–41). Autonomic imbalance with an increased HR may be a result of an increased M-current activity located in the efferent parasympathetic ganglion in SHR (39). This may lead to hampered transmitter release, with a reduced vagal control and a subsequent increase in HR (36, 39).

Changes in BP are sensed by the baroreceptors located in the sensory nerve terminals of the carotid sinus and the aortic arch (42). From the aortic arch, the afferent signals are mediated by the aortic depressor nerve, relayed through the nodose ganglia to the nuclei of the nucleus tractus solitarius in the brainstem (43). Increased BP leads to a rise in afferent nerve activity with subsequent decreased efferent sympathetic and increased efferent parasympathetic activity. The inverse response occurs when the BP decreases (44). Immunocytochemical, voltage clamp studies on isolated rat aortic arch demonstrated the presence and function of Kv7.2, Kv7.3, and Kv7.5 in both the nodose ganglia (43, 45) and sensory terminals of aortic baroreceptors (43). The Kv7 channel activator retigabine increased the activation threshold of arterial baroreceptors by nearly 20 mmHg (43). Due to this, one might speculate if the increased M-current activity reduces the baroreceptor sensitivity and result in a subsequent rise in sympathetic activity and BP.

Loss-of-function mutations in KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 are a well-established cause of the benign familial neonatal seizures (6). Besides the symptom of convulsion under a seizure, these patients also present with apnea and bradycardia (45). It may be speculated if the lack of neuronal Kv7 channel function in these patients may cause hyperactivity in the baroreflex and precipitate an increased parasympathetic activity with subsequent bradycardia. One may also speculate if the increased M-current activity seen in the efferent parasympathetic branch of SHR (36) is present in the afferent limb of the baroreflex as well. This may contribute to the decreased pressure control and sympathetic hyperactivity seen in HT.

Primary HT is characterized by increased vascular tone and an elevated TPR. Decreased resting membrane potential in VSMC and depolarization enhances the probability of voltage-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels to open. Increased levels of intracellular Ca²⁺ lead to contraction of VSMC (21, 25, 27) (Figure 2). Through outflux of K⁺ and subsequent hyperpolarization, Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 seem to play a central role in the control of vascular tone and TPR (27, 46).

The role and influence of the Kv7 channels in the pathophysiology of essential HT are not fully understood. Recent studies demonstrated that the expression of total Kv7.4 protein is downregulated in different arteries in SHR compared with normotensive rats (21, 27, 28, 46).

Western blot analysis showed that Kv7.4 protein expression was decreased in the thoracic aorta, mesenteric artery, and renal artery in SHR compared with normotensive rats (46). Correlations between decreased Kv7.4 protein expression and a decrease in KCNQ4 mRNA were found only in the aorta. Thus, the total protein expression was not consistently associated with a change in transcription level, suggesting that the Kv7.4 alterations in activity may be explained by a posttranscriptional mechanism. An inverse correlation has been found between microRNA 153 (miR-153) and expression of Kv7.4 protein in SHR (48). miR-153 binds to the 3′ untranslated region of the mRNA and mediates posttranscriptional gene silencing, thereby repressing gene expression (49). Hence, the miR-153 may be responsible for the inconsistency between expression of Kv7.4 proteins and the amount of KNCQ4 mRNA. Remodeling of the vascular wall is another possible consequence of increased miR-153. Transfection with miR-153 into mesenteric arteries of wild-type normotensive rats showed morphological changes after 24 hours. The study showed a significant increase in media/lumen ratio and in average wall thickness, similar to what is expected in SHR (46). It was not clear if this effect resulted from the interference with the expression of Kv7.4 or was due to other mechanisms (48).

The Kv7 channel has been demonstrated to play a central role in the cAMP-mediated vasodilatory pathway (21, 29) (Figure 2). Increased cAMP is expected to result in enhanced Kv7 activity due to activation of two intracellular effector molecules, namely, protein kinase A (PKA) (21, 50) and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) (51). The β-adrenergic cAMP-mediated vasodilatory pathway is diminished in the vasculature of SHR (Figure 2) (21, 29). Isoprenaline-induced vasodilation of rat renal arteries was reduced in the presence of the pharmacological Kv7.4 blocker linopirdine, as well as in experiments with siRNA-induced knock down targeting Kv7.4 in isolated vessels (21, 52). The ability of isoprenaline to enhance Kv7 channel activity is diminished in SHR, possibly due to the reduced expression or function of Kv7.4. The consequence is a decreased ability to regulate TPR, which is a characteristic of HT (21, 27). A recent study looked at the Kv7 subunit composition and its importance regarding vascular function. The responsiveness of Kv7 to intracellular cAMP/PKA signal activation followed a pattern of Kv7.5 ≫ Kv7.4/7.5 > Kv7.4 (50). This might suggest that Kv7.4 is less PKA dependent and that the observed reduced vasodilatory function in SHR may be due to impairment in the EPAC pathway. This is supported by the fact that mice without Rap1b, a crucial downstream effector molecule in the EPAC pathway, developed HT (53).

Like cAMP, the cyclic GMP (cGMP)-mediated signaling pathway plays a central role in the control of vascular tone (29, 52). Activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by liberated nitric oxide is one out of two mechanisms that increase cGMP in VSMC. The second mechanism is the activation of transmembrane guanylate cyclase-linked natriuretic peptide-receptors, type A or type B (29, 54).

The Kv7 channel was found to be involved in the cGMP-mediated vasodilation of ANP, CNP, or single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in isolated rat aorta (29). The vasodilatory effect was diminished by the Kv7 channel blocker linopirdine. The vasodilatory cGMP pathway is significantly attenuated in SHR, possibly explained by their reduced expression of the Kv7.4 channel (29). This may contribute to the reduced ability of SHR to regulate TPR (29).

The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a constitutional role in the physiology of BP and the pathophysiology of HT with its effects on vascular tone, sodium retention, sympathetic tone, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammation (55). Renin is secreted from the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the renal cortex and is the rate-limiting step in the RAAS cascade (55, 56). Renin is secreted as a response to β-adrenergic stimulation or renal hypoperfusion (56).

Decreased protein expression or function of Kv7.4 in the renal artery of SHR may lead to renal artery stenosis and reduced vasodilatory responses to β-adrenergic stimuli (21). Thus, decreased luminal diameter may lead to renal hypoperfusion and a subsequent activation of the RAAS cascade resulting in systemic effects (21).

Renin is also secreted as a response to low tubular concentration of Na⁺ and Cl⁻. The low tubular salt concentrations are sensed by the macula densa cells located at the end of the cortical ascending limb of the loop of Henle. The furosemide-sensitive Na⁺–K⁺–2Cl⁻ cotransporter (NKCC2) facilitates the ion transport into the cells of macula densa (56), which rely on the electrochemical gradient of Na⁺ as the main driving force. The gradient is provided by the basolateral Na⁺–K⁺ATPase (57). Also Kv7.1 is expressed at the basolateral membrane of the renal epithelial cells in the cortical ascending limb of the loop of Henle. Kv7.1 contributes to the essential recycling of K⁺, which is necessary for proper function of the basolateral Na⁺–K⁺ATPase (58). It may be speculated that a reduced function of Kv7.1 may lead to decreased Na⁺–K⁺ATPase activity, resulting in decreased generation of the electrochemical gradient of Na⁺. This may in turn lead to decreased NKCC2 function and a diminished salt-sensing capacity of the macula densa, causing increased renin release.

To summarize, M-current activity may be increased in the afferent and efferent nerves monitoring and controlling BP. Furthermore, altered Kv7 expression and function could contribute to increased vascular tone and lack of response to endogenous vasorelaxants. Finally, reduced renal Kv7 function may result in increased renin release and subsequent HT.

Kv7.1 contributed to the regulation of insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells (1). A genome-wide association study examined SNP markers in Japanese individuals and discovered that specific SNPs in KCNQ1 were associated with type 2 diabetes (62). These findings were reproduced in samples from Singaporean and Danish populations (62). The expression of KCNQ1 has been found in the human pancreas and in a cultured, insulin-secreting cell line (62), but the role of Kv7.1 in the molecular pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes still remains unclear. However, KCNQ1 overexpression in a MIN6 mouse β-cell line resulted in markedly impaired insulin secretion by glucose, pyruvate, or tolbutamide (63). To examine this further, the association between the different alleles at the SNP rs2237892 within KCNQ1 and type 2 diabetes was analyzed in a Chinese Han population (64). The results showed that the genotypes CT and CC were associated with an enhanced risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition, subjects with the CC genotype had significantly higher systolic BP, prevalence of HT, and macrovascular disease (64). Although these findings need to be verified in a larger population, they supported that KCNQ1 is associated with type 2 diabetes. Inhibition of Kv channels with tetraethylammonium extended action potential duration, suggesting that blockade of Kv channels may work as an effective tool to increase insulin release (61). Further studies must investigate if this is true for Kv7 as well. If this is the case, one may speculate if Kv7 blockers can be used in the treatment of diabetes in the future.

Subunit-specific modulation of KCNQ K⁺-channels by Src tyrosine kinase (Src) may also contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. In patch clamp studies on Chinese hamster ovary cells and rat sympathetic neurons, Src was found to phosphorylate the Kv7 channel and suppress the M-current (65). An influence of Src on Kv7.1 was indicated by the fact that the non-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors GNF-2 and GNF-5 enhanced β-cell survival in an INS-1 rat insulinoma cell line exposed to streptozotocin apoptosis (66). The Src family is a member of the non-receptor tyrosine kinases (65). Thus, the non-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor might work through inhibition of Src, and a connection between Kv7.1 and Src is possible.

Inhibition of Kv7.1, as well as KCNQ1 knockdown with siRNA, increased exocytosis and insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells (67). Kv7.1 is located in both cardiomyocytes and pancreatic β-cells, and it was hypothesized that patients with KCNQ1 long QT syndrome may exhibit increased insulin secretion (61). A study involving 14 patients diagnosed with KCNQ1 long QT syndrome showed increased postprandial insulin release in KCNQ1 mutation carriers compared with two control participants. Furthermore, they displayed higher β-cell glucose sensitivity and lower levels of plasma glucose and serum potassium upon oral glucose stimulation. The patients also showed more symptoms of hypoglycemia (61). Lower serum potassium levels were presumably due to insulin activating the sodium potassium ATPase and possibly also due to fecal loss of potassium as reported for KCNQ1 KO mice. The patients displayed hypoglycemia and hypokalemia, both of which may increase the risk of arrhythmias and sudden death. This may further increase the susceptibility for cardiac events in KCNQ1 long QT syndrome patients (61).

An effect of HG on Kv7 channel function in rat coronary arteries has been detected both in vitro and in vivo. Kv7 channel activity, expression, and function in left coronary artery were reduced when exposed to HG (68–70). Consequently, Kv7 channel modulators were less effective in left coronary arteries from diabetic rats (32). Hypoxia-induced vasodilation in left coronary artery was reduced in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (32). It is worth noting that HG also impaired left coronary artery vasodilation induced by the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin. A reduced Kv7 channel function may contribute to the coronary vascular dysfunction in diabetes and to a reduced defense mechanism against hypoxia. The endothelial dysfunction seen in diabetic male Wistar rats can be prevented by activation of the nuclear receptor superfamily PPARs β/δ (71). The PPAR β/δ agonist GW0742 inhibited the HG-induced Kv7 channel downregulation. The PPAR β/δ target gene PDK4 may participate in the protective effect of PPAR β/δ (71). The HG-induced impairment of Kv7 channel currents, membrane potential, and Kv7 mRNA abundance was reversed by GW0742 (71). In addition, HG was found to contribute to the rise in NADPH oxidase activity in coronary arteries. Also this effect was prevented by GW0742. These results suggest that the HG-induced Kv7 channel downregulation is a result of oxidative modulation.

One might speculate that the discoveries of Morales-Cano et al. (32) also are true for other blood vessels in the body. The result would be increased TPR, increased BP and, hence, increased afterload, which in turn will reduce the cardiac output, leading to a reduced oxygen supply to the myocardium. An increase in myocardium workload leading to increased oxygen consumption may result in ischemic heart disease, especially when combined with a reduced oxygen supply.

It is possible that regulatory mechanisms of the Kv7 channel may involve some sort of Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) interaction with calmodulin and Kv7.1 or KCNE1 (16). The enzyme CaMKII has essential regulatory functions in the heart and brain. A chronic activation of CaMKII can be pathological and is seen in heart failure. It may induce pathological changes in Ca²⁺ handling directly, gene transcription and ion channels (72). It has been found that diabetes, and the associated HG, causes modification of CaMKII in human, rat, and mice (72). Hence, an activated CaMKII in diabetic patients may cause a pathological CaMKII interaction with Kv7.1 or KCNE1, leading to a subsequent long QT syndrome and cardiac dysfunction. In addition to the interaction between HG and CaMKII, diabetes may induce arrhythmias through HG-induced electrophysiological changes in cardiac progenitor cells, with reduced repair and regeneration of CV tissue (73). Furthermore, exposure to HG is associated with an increased miR-1/133 expression in cardiac progenitor cells (74). An overexpression of miR-1/133 abolished KCNE1 and KCNQ1 expression, thus reducing the I_KS with enhanced risk of lethal arrhythmias (74).

Of importance is that KCNQ1 overexpression may lead to decreased levels of insulin and development of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, patients with loss-of-function mutations in KCNQ1 and long QT syndrome may have an additional risk for cardiac events due to development of hyperinsulinemia with subsequent hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. In addition, HG may reduce Kv7 activity, expression, and function in coronary arteries.

The anti-contractile effect of PVAT is reduced in aging mice (88). Aging is an independent risk factor for diabetes and CVD (79) and is believed to be non-modifiable. It has recently been shown in vitro that an antioxidant-treatment with melatonin restored the anti-contractile effect of PVAT in aging mice, indicating that antioxidants may restore PVAT function (88). Interestingly, it has been shown in vitro that H₂S release from PVAT was reduced in aging rats, and this reduction was compensated by an increased cystathionine beta-synthase (CSE) expression (83). CSE located in VSMC is one out of two enzymes, which generate H₂S in mammalian tissue (83). If this compensation fails to continue, high BP will develop. Given the recent in vitro studies indicating that at least some of the anti-contractile effect of H₂S was due to Kv7 channel activation (84), one may wonder if a Kv7 channel opener may at least to, some degree, reverse HT in the elderly. Selective Kv7.1 inhibitors in isolated mouse mesenteric or renal artery in KCNQ1^+/+ and KCNQ1^−/− mice showed that Kv7.1 did not mediate the anti-contractile effect of PVAT. Kv7.1 was therefore unlikely to participate in the PVAT regulation of vascular tone (89). The same result was found in rat mesenteric arteries. Kv7.2–5 may therefore play a role in ADRF-induced vasodilation. A possible limitation of this study, as pointed out by the authors themselves, is that the KCNE subunits have an impact on the pharmacology of Kv7.1 (90, 91). Different isoforms of the KCNE subunits may explain the drug, tissue, and species variations seen in various studies. The possible clinical implications of the ancillary proteins and subunits interacting with the Kv7 channels may represent an alternative approach to pharmacologically alter Kv7 channel function. It is important to emphasize the fact that the Kv7.1 activator RL-3 was an effective vasorelaxant in male Wistar rat mesenteric arteries (22). The Kv7.1 blockers HMR1556 and L-768,673 reversed the observed R-L3 vasorelaxation entirely, confirming that the effect was due to Kv7.1 modulation. This study showed that although Kv7.1 does not contribute to resting vascular tone, the channel induced considerable vasorelaxation upon stimulation, especially in resistance-like systemic arteries (22).

It has previously been found that obese atrial myocytes in guinea pigs displayed shortened action potential duration, as well as a significantly increased I_K density, compared with low fat diet controls (92). Furthermore, atrial myocytes exposed to the saturated free fatty acid, palmitic acid, also expressed an increased I_KS density in HEK-293 cells (92). It was hypothesized that removal of palmitic acid from a high fat diet may hamper arrhythmic events in obese patient. A recent study reviewed how obesity might alter cardiac ion channel activity (93). It concluded that little is known about the impact of obesity and I_KS regarding long QT syndrome and atrial fibrillation. Additional studies are needed to explore this field further.

To summarize, Kv7 channels may play an important role as downstream targets of ADRF and possibly other PVRFs released by PVAT. Obesity and aging are associated with reduced anti-contractile effect of PVAT and subsequent HT. Finally, recent studies have shown a potential connection between obesity, I_KS and arrhythmias.

The majority of published articles regarding Kv7 channels are using male rats and mice (22, 32, 81–84). This is likely to lead to selection bias and thereby not ensuring that the results are representative for the population as a whole. A case in point is that young, female SHR have a lower BP than male SHR (99). CVD has been regarded as a men’s disease for decades, but it is actually more prevalent in postmenopausal women (100). The CV risk factors such as HT and DM are slightly more prevalent in men than in women globally, whereas the prevalence of overweight differs. BMI is highest in men in most high-income countries, while the opposite is true in lower and middle-income countries. There is considerable evidence that diabetes is a more potent risk factor for CHD in women than in men (100). A recent study found essential sex differences in the sensitivity of expression changes in KCNE4 in the vasculature. This may in turn have crucial implications for vascular reactivity and be a contributory factor causing sex-specific susceptibility to CVD (101). Having these sex differences in mind, it seems relevant to question whether the results from research regarding Kv7 channels can be generalized to both men and women.