This is particularly important for conditions such as obesity (Nystoriak et al. 2014) or type 2 diabetes (Mokelke et al. 2003; 2005), where BK channel function is impaired and the increase in resistance artery constriction contributes to the development of hypertension. The gene discussed is KCNMA1; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.