ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 8 (ABCC8, also known as the sulphonylurea receptor SUR1) is a member of the ABC transporter family. ABCC8 is comprised of three transmembrane helical bundles, TMD0, TMD1 and TMD2. It also contains two cytosolic nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) located between TMD1 and TMD2 and in the cytoplasmic C-terminal domain, respectively []. It is a regulator of the potassium ATP channel. Its NBD domains control channel activity through their interaction with cytosolic nucleotides []. Together with ABCC9 (SUR2), ABCC8 regulates the Kir6.2 potassium channel []. It also controls insulin secretion after feeding [].ABCC8 and 9 are the targets of sulphonylurea oral hypoglycaemic agents that are used widely for the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and ABCC8 genetic variants have been linked to risk of the disease [, ].
