KCNK2
Description
The KCNK2 (potassium two pore domain channel subfamily K member 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
KCNK2, also known as TREK-1, is a gene that encodes a protein responsible for the creation of potassium channels. These channels are formed by two pairs of identical proteins, creating a channel that allows potassium to leave the cell, playing a role in controlling the cell's electrical potential. The channels are activated by various stimuli including negative lipids, anesthetics, stretching of the cell membrane, acidic environments within the cell, and heat. TREK-1 channels are found in various tissues, with high concentrations in the brain and heart, and are involved in several cellular functions including electrical activity, response to blood flow restrictions, and anesthetic effects.
KCNK2 contributes to passive potassium transport across cell membranes, acting as a potassium leak channel. It can switch between a voltage-insensitive leak channel and a voltage-dependent outward rectifying channel, influenced by phosphorylation. In astrocytes, KCNK2 predominantly forms heterodimers with KCNK1, with only a small number of functional channels being homodimeric KCNK2. This KCNK1-KCNK2 heterodimer is essential for rapid glutamate release in response to activation of G-protein coupled receptors like F2R and CNR1.
KCNK2 is also known as K2p2.1, TPKC1, TREK, TREK-1, TREK1, hTREK-1c, hTREK-1e.
