FEATURES

FAMILY

inward rectifier-type potassium channel (TC 1.A.2.1) family

DESCRIPTION

Also known as KCNJ5_HUMAN, KCNJ5, GIRK4. This potassium channel 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. Their voltage dependence is regulated by the concentration of extracellular potassium; as external potassium is raised, the voltage range of the channel opening shifts to more positive voltages. The inward rectification is mainly due to the blockage of outward current by internal magnesium. Can be blocked by external barium. May associate with GIRK1 and GIRK2 to form a G-protein-activated heteromultimer pore-forming unit. The resulting inward current is much larger.

EXTERNAL LINKS

KCNJ5

G protein-activated inward rectifier potassium channel 4

KCNJ5

Molecular Synopsis