The tandem of pore domain in a weak inwardly rectifying K + channel (Twik)-related acid-arachidonic activated K + channel (TRAAK) and Twikrelated K + channels (TREK) 1 and TREK2 are active as homodimers gated by stretch, fatty acids, pH, and G protein-coupled receptors. These two-pore domain potassium (K 2P ) channels are broadly expressed in the nervous system where they control excitability. TREK/TRAAK KO mice display altered phenotypes related to nociception, neuroprotection afforded by polyunsaturated fatty acids, learning and memory, mood control, and sensitivity to general anesthetics. These channels have emerged as promising targets for the development of new classes of anesthetics, analgesics, antidepressants, neuroprotective agents, and drugs against addiction. Here, we show that the TREK1, TREK2, and TRAAK subunits assemble and form active heterodimeric channels with electrophysiological, regulatory, and pharmacological properties different from those of homodimeric channels. Heteromerization occurs between all TREK variants produced by alternative splicing and alternative translation initiation. These results unveil a previously unexpected diversity of K 2P channels that will be challenging to analyze in vivo, but which opens new perspectives for the development of clinically relevant drugs. + channels (TREK) 1, TREK2, and Twik-related acid-arachidonic activated K + channel (TRAAK) channels produce inhibitory background K + currents (1-3). These channels respond to neuroprotective fatty acids, mechanical stretch, temperature, pH, and neurotransmitters through G proteincoupled receptors (GPCRs) (for a recent review, see ref. 4). TREK1 is activated by volatile anesthetics and plays a role in general anesthesia. These channels have emerged as promising targets for the development of other classes of clinical compounds. TREK1 is activated by opioid receptors and contributes to morphine-induced analgesia, but is not involved in morphine-induced constipation, respiratory depression, and dependence (5). TREK1 openers, acting downstream from opioid receptors, might have strong analgesic effects without adverse effects (6). TRAAK may also be a good target for analgesia: Its activation by angiotensin II receptors is responsible for the painless nature of the early lesions of the necrotizing tropical disease Buruli ulcer (7). Also, activation of TREK1 by GABA B receptors in the hippocampus (8), and inhibition of TREK2 by neurotensin receptors in the entorhinal cortex (9), suggests that specific modulators of these channels might also have beneficial actions against drug abuse, and against learning slow down and memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease. Finally, inhibition of TREK1 by spadin (10), an endogenous peptide, or by the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) (11), pinpoints it as a valuable target for the treatment of depression. TREK/TRAAK channels are broadly expressed in the nervous system (12-15). TREK1 is more specifically expressed in the striatum, TREK2 in the cerebellum, and TRAAK in the thalamus. All...