KCNN4
Description
The KCNN4 (potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily N member 4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
The KCNN4 gene encodes the KCa3.1 protein, a component of a voltage-independent potassium channel activated by intracellular calcium. The channel's activation results in membrane hyperpolarization, which facilitates calcium influx. KCa3.1 may be the predominant calcium-activated potassium channel in T-lymphocytes. While similar to other KCNN family potassium channel genes, KCNN4's distinct features suggest it might belong to a new subfamily. This channel was first described in human erythrocytes in 1958 by György Gárdos, and is also known as the Gardos channel in his honor.
The KCNN4 protein forms a voltage-independent potassium channel that is activated by intracellular calcium. This activation leads to membrane hyperpolarization, which in turn promotes calcium influx. The protein is essential for maximizing calcium influx and proliferation during the reactivation of naive T-cells. It also plays a role in the later stages of EGF-induced macropinocytosis.
KCNN4 is also known as DHS2, IK, IK1, IKCA1, KCA4, KCa3.1, SK4, hIKCa1, hKCa4, hSK4.
