KCNQ4 : potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 4
Description
The KCNQ4 (potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
The KCNQ4 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is a part of a potassium channel family. These channels transport potassium ions between cells, which is crucial for electrical signal generation and transmission. KCNQ4 channels are primarily found in inner ear cells and along the auditory pathway, contributing to hearing by maintaining the correct potassium levels, which are essential for sound wave conversion into electrical nerve signals. KCNQ4 channels are also present in the heart and some muscles, but to a lesser extent.
KCNQ4 channels play a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability, particularly in the sensory cells of the cochlea. These channels are responsible for a potassium current that helps control the excitability of these cells. KCNQ4 channels are sensitive to certain drugs, being blocked by linopirdin, XE991, and bepridil, while clofilium has no significant effect. The muscarinic agonist oxotremorine-M has been shown to strongly suppress KCNQ4 current when coexpressed with M1 muscarinic receptors in CHO cells.
KCNQ4 is also known as DFNA2, DFNA2A, KV7.4.
Associated Diseases
- Deafness, autosomal dominant nonsyndromic sensorineural 2
- Nonsyndromic hearing loss
- Age-related hearing loss
