KCNJ9

Description

The KCNJ9 (potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 9) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.

The KCNJ9 gene encodes G protein-activated inward rectifier potassium channel 3 (GIRK-3), a protein involved in a variety of physiological responses. This protein is an integral membrane protein and an inward-rectifier type potassium channel, meaning it facilitates the flow of potassium into the cell more readily than out. GIRK-3 is regulated by G-proteins and forms a heteromultimeric pore-forming complex with another G-protein-activated potassium channel. KCNJ9 interacts with KCNJ6, and further research is ongoing to understand its role in cellular function.

This receptor is controlled by G proteins. Inward rectifier potassium channels are characterized by a greater tendency to allow potassium to flow into the cell rather than out of it. The voltage dependence of these channels is regulated by the concentration of extracellular potassium; as external potassium levels increase, the voltage range of the channel opening shifts to more positive voltages. The inward rectification is primarily due to the blockage of outward current by internal magnesium.

KCNJ9 is also known as GIRK3, KIR3.3.

Associated Diseases

• esophageal cancer
• myeloperoxidase deficiency
• X-linked severe congenital neutropenia
• nonimmune chronic idiopathic neutropenia of adults
• neutropenia, severe congenital, 2, autosomal dominant
• neutropenia-monocytopenia-deafness syndrome
• eosinophil peroxidase deficiency
• linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis
• autosomal recessive severe congenital neutropenia due to CSF3R deficiency
• COVID-19
• neutropenia, severe congenital, 1, autosomal dominant
• X-linked sideroblastic anemia 1