FEATURES

FAMILY

DESCRIPTION

Also known as KCNA4_RAT, Kcna4. Voltage-gated potassium channel that mediates transmembrane potassium transport in excitable membranes. Forms tetrameric potassium-selective channels through which potassium ions pass in accordance with their electrochemical gradient. The channel alternates between opened and closed conformations in response to the voltage difference across the membrane. Can form functional homotetrameric channels and heterotetrameric channels that contain variable proportions of KCNA1, KCNA2, KCNA4, KCNA5, and possibly other family members as well; channel properties depend on the type of alpha subunits that are part of the channel (PubMed:2348860, PubMed:8495559, PubMed:10896669). Channel properties are modulated by cytoplasmic beta subunits that regulate the subcellular location of the alpha subunits and promote rapid inactivation. In vivo, membranes probably contain a mixture of heteromeric potassium channel complexes, making it difficult to assign currents observed in intact tissues to any particular potassium channel family member. Homotetrameric KCNA4 forms a potassium channel that opens in response to membrane depolarization, followed by rapid spontaneous channel closure (PubMed:2384173). Likewise, a heterotetrameric channel formed by KCNA1 and KCNA4 shows rapid inactivation (PubMed:2348860). Homotetramer and heterotetramer of potassium channel proteins (PubMed:10896669). Interacts with KCNAB1 and KCNAB2 (PubMed:9334400). Binds PDZ domains of DLG1, DLG2 and DLG4. Interacts with SIGMAR1 (PubMed:11988171). Part of a complex containing KCNA1, KCNAB1 and LGI1 (PubMed:16504945). Detected in a complex with KCNA1 (PubMed:2348860, PubMed:10896669). Interacts with KCNA2 (PubMed:8361540, PubMed:10896669, PubMed:12632190). Interacts (via cytoplasmic N-terminal domain) with KCNRG (By similarity).

EXTERNAL LINKS

Kcna4

Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 4

Kcna4

Molecular Synopsis