KCNJ11: A Potential Drug Target for Ion Channel Regulation (G3767)

Target Name: KCNJ11

NCBI ID: G3767

KCNJ11: A Potential Drug Target for Ion Channel Regulation

KCNJ11 is a protein that is expressed in various tissues of the body, including the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles. It is a member of the potassium channel, inwardly rectifying subfamily J and is involved in the regulation of ion channels in the nervous system . There is a growing interest in KCNJ11 as a potential drug target due to its unique structure and its role in various physiological processes.

Structure and Function

KCNJ11 is a 21-kDa protein that consists of 118 amino acid residues. It has a unique topology that is characterized by a long extracellular loop, a short intracellular loop, and a long transmembrane region. The protein has a unique voltage-dependent ion channel that allows it to regulate the movement of positively charged ions, such as calcium and magnesium ions, into the cell.

KCNJ11 is involved in the regulation of a variety of physiological processes, including muscle contractions, nerve impulse transmission, and heart rhythm. It is also involved in the regulation of pain perception and neurotransmitter release.

Mutations in KCNJ11 have been linked to various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, migraine, and schizophrenia. These mutations have been shown to alter the function of the protein and disrupt its ability to regulate ion channels.

Drug Target Potential

KCNJ11 is a potential drug target due to its unique structure and its involvement in various physiological processes. The voltage-dependent ion channel that it forms makes it an attractive target for drugs that can modulate ion channels, such as those used in the treatment of epilepsy and migraine. Additionally, the protein's involvement in the regulation of pain perception and neurotransmitter release also makes it a potential target for drugs used in the treatment of pain.

KCNJ11 is also a target for small molecules that can modulate its structure and function. Many small molecules have been shown to interact with the protein and alter its function, providing a potential source of new drugs.

Conclusion

KCNJ11 is a protein that is expressed in various tissues of the body and is involved in the regulation of ion channels in the nervous system. Its unique structure and its involvement in various physiological processes make it a potential drug target. The voltage-dependent ion channel that it forms makes it an attractive target for drugs that can modulate ion channels, and its involvement in the regulation of pain perception and neurotransmitter release also makes it a potential target for drugs used in the treatment of pain. Additionally, the protein's structure makes it a potential target for small molecules that can modulate its function. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of KCNJ11 as a drug target and to develop effective treatments.

Protein Name: Potassium Inwardly Rectifying Channel Subfamily J Member 11

Functions: This receptor is controlled by G proteins. 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 (By similarity). Subunit of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP). Can form cardiac and smooth muscle-type KATP channels with ABCC9. KCNJ11 forms the channel pore while ABCC9 is required for activation and regulation

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