Kcnk18 Gene is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
This gene/protein plays important roles in neuronal function and is relevant to neurodegenerative disease research.
| Potassium Two Pore Domain Channel Subfamily K Member 18 (TRESK) | |
|---|---|
| Gene Symbol | KCNK18 |
| Full Name | Potassium Two Pore Domain Channel Subfamily K Member 18 |
| Chromosome | 10q26.3 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 338662 |
| OMIM | 609338 |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000186795 |
| UniProt ID | Q7RTX1 |
| Associated Diseases | Migraine, Epilepsy, Neuropathic Pain |
KCNK18 encodes TRESK (Two-pore domain potassium channel 18), a member of the two-pore domain potassium channel family. TRESK is expressed in sensory neurons, including trigeminal ganglion neurons implicated in migraine pathogenesis. The channel regulates neuronal excitability and pain signaling. Loss-of-function mutations have been linked to migraine with aura.
High expression in trigeminal ganglion, dorsal root ganglia, and various brain regions. Also expressed in heart and testis.
| Disease | Variants | Inheritance | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Migraine | Loss-of-function | Autosomal dominant | Increased neuronal excitability |
| Epilepsy | Various | Risk factor | Altered neuronal excitability |
| Neuropathic Pain | Various | Risk factor | Sensory neuron dysfunction |
The study of Kcnk18 Gene has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.