KCNJ12
Description
The KCNJ12 (potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 12) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 17.
KCNJ12 (ATP-sensitive inward rectifier potassium channel 12) is a lipid-gated ion channel that is encoded by the KCNJ12 gene in humans. It acts as an inwardly rectifying potassium channel, potentially blocked by divalent cations, and is believed to contribute to the cardiac inward rectifier current (IK1) alongside other inwardly rectifying channels. The KCNJ12 gene is located within the Smith–Magenis syndrome region on chromosome 17. Interactions between KCNJ12 and other proteins have been documented.
KCNJ12 is an inward rectifying potassium channel that is activated by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. It is thought to play a role in regulating the resting membrane potential in electrically excitable cells, such as neurons and muscle cells. KCNJ12 may also be involved in establishing the action potential waveform and excitability of these cells. Inward rectifier potassium channels, like KCNJ12, are characterized by their tendency to allow potassium to flow into the cell rather than out. The voltage dependence of these channels is regulated by the concentration of extracellular potassium. As external potassium increases, the voltage range for channel opening shifts to more positive values. The inward rectification is primarily due to the blockage of outward current by internal magnesium.
KCNJ12 is also known as IRK-2, IRK2, KCNJN1, Kir2.2, hIRK, hIRK1, hkir2.2x, kcnj12x.
