KCNK13: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:25, 16 February 2025

KCNK13[edit]

KCNK13 is a member of the two-pore domain potassium channel family, which are integral membrane proteins that contribute to the regulation of the resting membrane potential in cells. These channels are characterized by having two pore-forming domains and are known for their role in setting the background potassium conductance in various tissues.

Structure[edit]

KCNK13, like other members of the K2P channel family, contains four transmembrane segments and two pore-forming domains. This unique structure allows the channel to conduct potassium ions across the cell membrane, contributing to the maintenance of the cell's resting potential. The channel is thought to form dimers, with each subunit contributing to the formation of the pore.

Function[edit]

The primary function of KCNK13 is to facilitate the passive flow of potassium ions across the cell membrane. This flow is crucial for maintaining the resting membrane potential and for the regulation of neuronal excitability. KCNK13 channels are also involved in various physiological processes, including cell volume regulation and apoptosis.

Expression[edit]

KCNK13 is expressed in a variety of tissues, with notable expression in the central nervous system. Its expression pattern suggests a role in modulating neuronal activity and maintaining the excitability of neurons. The channel is also found in other tissues, indicating potential roles in non-neuronal physiological processes.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Alterations in the function or expression of KCNK13 have been implicated in several pathological conditions. Dysregulation of KCNK13 activity can affect neuronal excitability, potentially contributing to neurological disorders such as epilepsy and depression. Research is ongoing to better understand the role of KCNK13 in these and other conditions.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''KCNK13''' is a gene that encodes for the protein known as [[Potassium Channel, Two Pore Domain Subfamily K, Member 13]] (K2P13.1), which is part of the larger family of [[potassium channels]]. These channels are integral membrane proteins that facilitate the passive flow of potassium ions across cell membranes, a process critical for maintaining the [[cellular membrane potential]] and involved in various physiological processes including the regulation of [[neuronal excitability]], [[muscle contraction]], and [[heart rate]].
+== KCNK13 ==
+[[File:Two-pore_domain_potassium_channel_K2P13.jpg|thumb|right|Diagram of the KCNK13 channel structure]]
+'''KCNK13''' is a member of the [[two-pore domain potassium channel]] family, which are integral membrane proteins that contribute to the regulation of the resting membrane potential in cells. These channels are characterized by having two pore-forming domains and are known for their role in setting the background potassium conductance in various tissues.
+== Structure ==
+KCNK13, like other members of the [[K2P channel]] family, contains four transmembrane segments and two pore-forming domains. This unique structure allows the channel to conduct potassium ions across the cell membrane, contributing to the maintenance of the cell's resting potential. The channel is thought to form dimers, with each subunit contributing to the formation of the pore.
 == Function ==
-The KCNK13 protein belongs to the two-pore-domain potassium channel (K2P) family, which is characterized by having two pore-forming domains and four transmembrane segments. This structural configuration allows the channel to contribute to the background potassium conductance and play a significant role in setting the resting membrane potential of cells. The specific function of KCNK13, however, may vary depending on its tissue distribution and the cellular context. Like other members of the K2P family, it is thought to be involved in the regulation of a wide range of physiological processes, although the precise roles of KCNK13 in human physiology and disease remain an area of active research.
-== Genetic and Molecular Biology ==
+The primary function of KCNK13 is to facilitate the passive flow of [[potassium ions]] across the cell membrane. This flow is crucial for maintaining the [[resting membrane potential]] and for the regulation of [[neuronal excitability]]. KCNK13 channels are also involved in various physiological processes, including [[cell volume regulation]] and [[apoptosis]].
-The [[KCNK13]] gene is located on [[human chromosome]] 2, and its expression is regulated by a variety of cellular mechanisms. The protein encoded by KCNK13, like other potassium channels, is subject to complex regulatory controls, including [[phosphorylation]], [[glycosylation]], and interactions with other cellular proteins, which can affect its activity, localization, and stability. Mutations in the KCNK13 gene or dysregulation of its expression have not been extensively characterized, but given the critical role of potassium channels in cellular function, such alterations could potentially contribute to disease states.
+== Expression ==
+KCNK13 is expressed in a variety of tissues, with notable expression in the [[central nervous system]]. Its expression pattern suggests a role in modulating neuronal activity and maintaining the excitability of neurons. The channel is also found in other tissues, indicating potential roles in non-neuronal physiological processes.
 == Clinical Significance ==
-While the specific clinical implications of KCNK13 are still under investigation, the general dysfunction of potassium channels can lead to a variety of diseases, known as [[channelopathies]]. These can include disorders of the nervous system, heart, and muscles. For example, abnormalities in other potassium channel genes have been linked to epilepsy, arrhythmias, and other conditions. As research progresses, understanding the specific roles of KCNK13 may lead to new insights into these and other diseases, potentially offering new targets for therapeutic intervention.
-== Research Directions ==
+Alterations in the function or expression of KCNK13 have been implicated in several pathological conditions. Dysregulation of KCNK13 activity can affect neuronal excitability, potentially contributing to [[neurological disorders]] such as [[epilepsy]] and [[depression]]. Research is ongoing to better understand the role of KCNK13 in these and other conditions.
-Current research on KCNK13 includes studies aimed at elucidating its precise physiological roles, its regulation at the molecular and cellular levels, and its potential involvement in disease processes. This research involves a range of methodologies, including genetic studies, electrophysiological analyses, and investigations of the channel's structure and function. Through these studies, scientists hope to uncover not only the specifics of KCNK13's contributions to cellular physiology but also how modulation of its activity could be harnessed for therapeutic purposes.
-[[Category:Genes on human chromosome 2]]
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Potassium channel]]
+* [[Ion channel]]
+* [[Resting membrane potential]]
+* [[Neuronal excitability]]
+{{Ion channels}}
+[[Category:Ion channels]]
 [[Category:Potassium channels]]
-{{medicine-stub}}