Potassium two pore domain channel subfamily K member 16 (KCNK16)

Potassium two pore domain channel subfamily K member 16 (KCNK16, TALK-1) is a voltage-dependent, outward rectifying potassium channel belonging to the two pore domain (K2P) family[1][2][7]. It is mainly activated in alkaline pH and expressed predominantly in the pancreas, particularly in pancreatic islets. The channel combines features of open rectification, preferentially passing outward K+ currents under physiological concentrations, which regulates the electrical excitability of β-cells and therefore insulin secretion[1][6]. KCNK16 orchestrates cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium oscillations, impacting second-phase insulin secretion and overall glucose homeostasis. Genetic variants have been linked to monogenic forms of diabetes (MODY) and other diabetes-related disorders[1][4][6]. The channel can form homo- and heterodimers, and may permeate other monovalent cations such as rubidium (Rb+) and cesium (Cs+)[1]. Its function is tightly linked to hormonal regulation, islet signaling, and metabolic stress adaptation.

Other names

TALK-1TALK1K2p16.12P domain potassium channel Talk-1TWIK-related alkaline pH-activated potassium channel 1pancreatic potassium channel Talk-1potassium channel subfamily K member 16potassium channel two pore domain subfamily K member 16potassium channel, subfamily K, member 16