Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel Kir2.1 and its "Kir-ious" Regulation by Protein Trafficking and Roles in Development and Disease.

ABSTRACT: Potassium (K⁺) homeostasis is tightly regulated for optimal cell and organismal health. Failure to control potassium balance results in disease, including cardiac arrythmias and developmental disorders. A family of inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels helps cells maintain K⁺ levels. Encoded by KCNJ genes, Kir channels are comprised of a tetramer of Kir subunits, each of which contains two-transmembrane domains. The assembled Kir channel generates an ion selectivity filter for K⁺ at the monomer interface, which allows for K⁺ transit. Kir channels are found in many cell types and influence K⁺ homeostasis across the organism, impacting muscle, nerve and immune function. Kir2.1 is one of the best studied family members with

SUBMITTER: Hager NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8864065 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature