KCNJ18
Description
The KCNJ18 (potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 18) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 17.
The Kir2.6 protein, also known as inward rectifier potassium channel 18, is encoded by the KCNJ18 gene in humans. This protein functions as an inward-rectifier potassium ion channel. It contributes to maintaining resting membrane potential in excitable cells and aids in repolarization following depolarization. Kir2.6 is predominantly found in skeletal muscle and its expression is regulated by thyroid hormone. Mutations in the KCNJ18 gene have been linked to thyrotoxic periodic paralysis.
Inward rectifier potassium channels exhibit a preferential flow of potassium ions into the cell over outward flow. Their voltage sensitivity is influenced by extracellular potassium levels, where increased external potassium shifts the channel opening to more positive voltages. The inward rectification primarily arises from the blockage of outward current by intracellular magnesium.
KCNJ18 is also known as KIR2.6, TTPP2.
