Another line of evidence implicating GIRK channels comes from a recent study investigating nerve growth factor (NGF) mediated programmed cell death in dorsal root ganglion neurons, an important step in the proper normal development of the nervous system. This study shows that activation of the neurotrophin receptor p75 NTR increases plasma membrane levels of PIP2, activating GIRK2 channels and creating a sustained K+ efflux that stimulates programmed cell death164.
