KCNK7

KCNK7 (Potassium Two Pore Domain Channel Subfamily K Member 7) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KCNK7 gene. This gene is part of a family of potassium channels characterized by containing two pore-forming P domains. Potassium channels are essential components of cellular membranes that regulate the electrical excitability of cells. The KCNK7 channel belongs to the two-pore-domain potassium channel (K2P) family, which plays a significant role in setting the resting membrane potential and controlling neuronal excitability and muscle tone.

Function

KCNK7 channels are electrochemically selective for potassium ions over other cations, allowing potassium to flow out of the cell. This outward flow of potassium ions hyperpolarizes the cell, making it less likely to fire an action potential. Therefore, KCNK7 and other members of the K2P family contribute to the background potassium current that regulates the excitability of neurons and muscle cells. Despite its identification as a member of the K2P family, the specific physiological roles and tissue distribution of KCNK7 remain less understood compared to other family members.

Gene

The KCNK7 gene is located on chromosome 19 in humans. Like other genes encoding for potassium channels, KCNK7 undergoes alternative splicing, which results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms of the protein. The regulation of this gene and the functional implications of its splice variants are areas of ongoing research.

Clinical Significance

While the exact physiological functions of KCNK7 are still being elucidated, potassium channels, in general, are known to be involved in a wide range of diseases. These include cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders. Abnormalities in potassium channel function can lead to altered neuronal excitability and arrhythmias. However, the specific involvement of KCNK7 in clinical conditions has yet to be fully determined. Research into KCNK7 may offer insights into novel therapeutic targets for treating diseases associated with potassium channel dysfunction.

See Also

• Potassium channel
• Electrical excitability
• Resting membrane potential
• Neuronal excitability