Potassium channel subfamily K member 7 (KCNK7)

Potassium channel subfamily K member 7 (KCNK7) is a human gene encoding a member of the two-pore-domain potassium channel (K2P) family[1][2][3][4]. It is characterized by two pore-forming domains and four transmembrane segments typical of K2P channels. Unlike other functional K2P channels, KCNK7 has not been shown to function as an active channel by itself in heterologous expression systems, likely remaining in the endoplasmic reticulum and potentially requiring association with unknown partners to reach the plasma membrane and mediate potassium flux[1][2][6]. Its physiological roles are inferred from genetic studies, transcriptomic analyses, and related pathways, suggesting involvement in regulating cellular excitability, apoptosis, adrenal gland function, and neuronal processes. KCNK7 has been implicated in some disease associations—such as adrenal cortical adenocarcinoma, Birk-Barel syndrome, and has been found upregulated in atrial fibrillation[1][2]. Despite its classification as a potassium channel, the precise biological mechanisms, interacting drugs, and suitability as a therapeutic target remain largely unexplored due to the lack of confirmed channel activity and unknown molecular partners[1][2][4][6].

Other names

K2P7.1TWIK3potassium two pore domain channel subfamily K member 7potassium channel, two pore domain subfamily K, member 7two pore domain K+ channel