Potassium channel subfamily Q member 2 (KCNQ2)

Potassium channel subfamily Q member 2 (KCNQ2) is a protein that forms part of voltage-gated potassium channels in the brain. These channels are essential for regulating the electrical activity of neurons by controlling the flow of potassium ions out of nerve cells. The functional channel is a tetramer composed of four alpha subunits, either all KCNQ2 or a combination with KCNQ3 subunits. KCNQ2 encodes an alpha subunit that contributes to forming potassium channels responsible for generating the M-current in neurons. The M-current is crucial because it prevents excessive neuronal firing by stabilizing membrane potential and limiting repetitive action potentials. Mutations in KCNQ2 are associated with several epilepsy syndromes, including Benign Familial Neonatal Seizures (BFNS) and Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEE).

Other names

Kv7.2Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 2Early infantile epileptic encephalopathy type 7 (EIEE7)KCNQ2-DEE

Modulation of potassium ion flow through voltage-gated channels, affecting neuronal excitability.