FEATURES

FAMILY

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

DESCRIPTION

Also known as KCNJ2_HUMAN, KCNJ2, IRK1. Probably participates in establishing action potential waveform and excitability of neuronal and muscle tissues. 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 extracellular barium or cesium. Homomultimeric and heteromultimeric association with KCNJ4/Kir2.3. Association, via its PDZ-recognition domain, with LIN7A, LIN7B, LIN7C, DLG1, CASK and APBA1 plays a key role in its localization and trafficking (By similarity).

EXTERNAL LINKS

KCNJ2

Inward rectifier potassium channel 2

KCNJ2

Molecular Synopsis