Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK),a membrane receptor superfamily with intrinsic protein tyrosine kinase activity,has many members and complicated signal transduction pathways. Activation of RTKs can trigger a series of signal transduction pathways and play essential roles in modulating cell growth,proliferation,differentiation and metabolism through influencing gene transcription and expression. Activation of RTK can also rapidly modulate some cellular functions including the modulation of ion channels. Potassium channels play a critical role in stabilization of membrane potential and regulation of cellular excitability. This review highlights the rapid modulation of potassium channels by RTKs and reviews the recent progress in related research.