KCNA2
Description
The KCNA2 (potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
KCNA2, also known as Kv1.2, is a protein encoded by the KCNA2 gene in humans. It belongs to the potassium channel, voltage-gated, shaker-related subfamily and contains six membrane-spanning domains. KCNA2 is a delayed rectifier potassium channel, meaning it allows nerve cells to efficiently repolarize following an action potential. This gene is intronless and is clustered with genes KCNA3 and KCNA10 on chromosome 1. KCNA2 interacts with several proteins, including KCNA4, DLG4, PTPRA, KCNAB2, RHOA, and Cortactin. Mutations in KCNA2 have been linked to hereditary spastic paraplegia.
KCNA2 encodes a voltage-gated potassium channel protein that plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability and action potential firing. It facilitates the transport of potassium ions across cell membranes, primarily in the brain and central nervous system, but also in the cardiovascular system. KCNA2 forms tetrameric channels, which can be composed of either identical (homotetrameric) or different (heterotetrameric) subunits. These channels open in response to membrane depolarization, allowing potassium ions to flow out of the cell, contributing to the repolarization phase of action potentials. The channel's properties, including its opening and closing kinetics, are influenced by the specific combination of subunits present. KCNA2 is known to interact with various other proteins, including beta subunits that regulate its subcellular localization and inactivation kinetics, as well as other potassium channel subunits. It is implicated in a wide range of physiological processes, including neurotransmitter release, dopamine signaling, and the regulation of sleep.
KCNA2 is also known as DEE32, EIEE32, HBK5, HK4, HUKIV, KV1.2, MK2, NGK1, RBK2.
