Kir4.1 | Potassium Voltage-Gated Channel Subfamily J Member 10

K_ir4.1 is an ATP-dependent inwardly rectifying potassium channel. It is expressed in the Stria vascularis and is essential for formation of the endolymph, the fluid that surrounds the mechanosensitive stereocilia of the sensory hair cells that make hearing possible. In the kidney, together with K_ir5.1, the channel mediates basolateral K⁺ recycling in distal tubules; this process is critical for Na⁺ reabsorption at the tubules.

Gene:
KCNJ10

Human Protein:
UniProt P78508

Tissue:
Brain (astrocytes), kidney, inner ear, CD8 T cells

Function/ Application:
Responsible for the potassium buffering action of glial cells in the brain, mediates basolateral K⁺ recycling in distal tubules

Pathology:
Epilepsy, Ataxia, Sensorineural deafness, Tubulopathy, EAST syndrome (Gitelman syndrome phenotype), seizures, sensorineural deafness, mental retardation, and electrolyte imbalance (SESAMES)

Interaction:
Forms heteromers with K_ir5.1, K_ir4.2 and K_ir2.1. It interacts with interleukin 16, MAGI1, PATJ, DLG1, DLG4, Gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor 2

Modulator:
Barium chloride, Cesium chloride, Tertiopin-Q, Nortriptyline, Tolbutamide

Assays:
Patch clamp

Recommended Reviews:
Kubo et al. (2005) International Union of Pharmacology. LIV. Nomenclature and Molecular Relationships of Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels. Pharmacol Rev 57(4):509-526