[^1]
| Property | Value | [^2]
|---------|-------| [^3]
| **Protein Name** | KCNA3 (Kv1.3) | [^4]
| **Gene** | [KCNA3](/genes/kcna3) | [^5]
| **UniProt ID** | [P22001](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P22001) |
| **Molecular Weight** | ~58 kDa |
| **Subcellular Localization** | Plasma membrane, axon initial segment |
| **Protein Family** | Kv1 channel family |
KCNA3 (Kv1.3) is a protein encoded by the KCNA3 gene that kv1.3 is a delayed rectifier potassium channel:. This page describes its structure, normal nervous system function, role in neurodegenerative disease, and potential as a therapeutic target.
KCNA3 encodes Kv1.3, a voltage-gated potassium channel:
- Six transmembrane segments: S1-S6
- Voltage sensor: S4 segment with positively charged residues
- Pore loop: Between S5 and S6
- Tetrameric assembly: Forms functional channels as tetramers
Kv1.3 is a delayed rectifier potassium channel:
- Neuronal excitability: Regulates action potential repolarization
- T-cell activation: Critical for T-cell proliferation and function
- Microglial activation: Expressed in microglia, regulates activation state
- Olfactory function: Important for olfactory sensory neuron signaling
- Evidence: Kv1.3 blockers ameliorate MS in animal models
- Mechanism: Inhibits microglial activation and demyelination
- Evidence: Altered Kv1.3 function in dopaminergic neurons
- Mechanism: Contributes to neuronal dysfunction
- Evidence: Kv1.3 is therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases
- Mechanism: Regulates T-cell and macrophage activation
- Margatoxin: Scorpion venom peptide blocker of Kv1.3
- Correolide: Non-peptide Kv1.3 blocker
- Kv1.3-selective peptides: Under development for autoimmune diseases
- Kv1.3 in T-cell activation (2005)
- Kv1.3 as therapeutic target (2010)
== References ==
- Gutman et al., Kv1.3 potassium channel function (2005)
- Chandy et al., Kv1.3 in T cell activation (2004)
- Wickenden et al., Kv1.3 as therapeutic target (2008)
- Pena et al., Kv1.3 in neuronal excitability (2009)
- Li et al., Kv1.3 blockers for autoimmune disease (2013)
- Feske et al., Kv1.3 in immune cell function (2015)
- Rangaraju et al., Kv1.3 in neuropathic pain (2010)
- Norton et al., Kv1.3 and mitochondrial function (2012)
== References ==