Potassium channels are present in most mammalian cells, where they participate in a wide range of physiologic responses. The
diversity of potassium channel subtypes identified from the electrophysiologic studies was confirmed and extended by
molecular genetic analyses of these channels. Important insight came from the observation that the 'Shaker' locus in Drosophila
encodes a variety of polypeptides that produce voltage-gated potassium channels when expressed in Xenopus oocytes.
NCBI Summary:
Potassium channels are present in most mammalian cells, where they participate in a wide range of physiologic responses. The protein encoded by this gene is an integral membrane protein and inward-rectifier type potassium channel. It is activated by internal ATP and probably plays an important role in potassium homeostasis. The encoded protein has a greater tendency to allow potassium to flow into a cell rather than out of a cell. Mutations in this gene have been associated with antenatal Bartter syndrome, which is characterized by salt wasting, hypokalemic alkalosis, hypercalciuria, and low blood pressure. Five transcript variants encoding three different isoforms have been found for this gene.
General function
Channel/transport protein
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Cellular localization
Plasma membrane
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Ovarian function
Unknown
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Expression regulated by
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Ovarian localization
Comment
This gene was found in a rat ovarian cDNA library (Unigene)