Kir2.1 Protein is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
| Kir2.1 | Kir2.1 Protein | KCNJ2 | UniProt | 427 aa | 48.2 kDa | Cell Membrane | Kir Channel Family |
Kir2.1 Protein is a protein involved in neuronal function and signaling relevant to neurodegenerative diseases. It plays important roles in synaptic transmission, ion channel regulation, or cellular metabolism that are critical for neuronal health and function.
Dysregulation of this protein's function or expression contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and related neurodegenerative disorders through effects on synaptic plasticity, energy metabolism, or cellular stress response.
Kir2.1 is a 427 aa 48.2 kDa Cell Membrane protein belonging to the Kir Channel Family. The protein forms tetramers to create a functional ion channel.
Inward rectifier potassium channel, resting membrane potential, cardiac/neuronal excitability. These ion channels are critical for maintaining resting membrane potential in neurons and other excitable cells.
Alzheimer's Disease: Ion channel dysfunction contributes to neuronal hyperexcitability and calcium dysregulation. L-type channels may be involved in amyloid effects.
Parkinson's Disease: Ion channel mutations can cause parkinsonism. Calcium channel blockers are being explored for neuroprotection.
ALS: Channelopathies contribute to motor neuron hyperexcitability.
Epilepsy: Mutations in multiple ion channels cause epileptic disorders.
The study of Kir2.1 Protein 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.
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[3] Nattel S, et al. Cardiac potassium inward rectifier Kir2.1 and atrial fibrillation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol. 2019;5(8):897-898. PMID:31488281.
[4] Decher N, et al. Pathophysiological mechanisms of dominant and recessive KCNJ2 mutations in Andersen-Tawil syndrome. Mol Cell Biochem. 2019;455(1-2):33-47. PMID:30535802.
[5] Lopatin AN, et al. Molecular basis of inward rectification in cardiac K+ channels. Front Physiol. 2014;5:424. PMID:25477785.