Its functional role is therefore diverse, but the expression of TASK channels in cells and tissues involved in both the control of respiratory drive and in mechanical ventilation, as well as its genetic association with DDSA, have clearly implicated TASK-1 as a target for the treatment of sleep apnea, and in a recent clinical trial a novel TASK channel inhibitor was found to reduce sleep apnea severity in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea13. The gene discussed is KCNK3; the disease is sleep apnea syndrome.