Potassium channel subfamily T member 1 (KCNT1)

Potassium channel subfamily T member 1 (KCNT1) is a sodium-activated potassium channel protein chiefly expressed in the brain, where it regulates neuronal excitability by controlling potassium ion efflux during action potentials. The channel comprises four alpha subunits and is critical for the development and function of neuronal circuits. Gain-of-function mutations lead to increased channel activity and are implicated in a spectrum of pharmacoresistant epileptic encephalopathies, including malignant migrating partial seizures of infancy and autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy. The channel is also known as SLACK or KCa4.1, and therapeutic research targets both its abnormal function and gene expression.

Other names

KCa4.1KIAA1422Slo2.2SLACKKNa1.1potassium channel, sodium activated subfamily T, member 1potassium sodium-activated channel subfamily T member 1

Channel blockers (e.g., tetraethylammonium) inhibit potassium efflux, modulating neuronal excitability - Channel activators (e.g., phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) enhance potassium channel activity, potentially affecting neuronal burst firing