Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 6 (Kv1.6) (Kv1.6)

Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 6 (Kv1.6) is a protein encoded by the KCNA6 gene that functions as a voltage-gated potassium channel, primarily in the central and peripheral nervous systems (UniProt P17658). It belongs to the Shaker-related subfamily and is essential for the repolarization of action potentials, thereby regulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission (Wikipedia). Kv1.6 can form both homotetrameric and heterotetrameric channels with other Kv1 subunits, which influences its electrophysiological properties (UniProt). Clinically, de novo gain-of-function mutations in KCNA6 have been associated with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy and neurodevelopmental disorders (Salpietro et al., 2022). It also plays a role in modulating nociception and has been linked to neuropathic pain and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PubMed). While it is targeted by broad-spectrum potassium channel blockers like 4-aminopyridine and various scorpion toxins, the lack of highly selective small-molecule inhibitors remains a significant hurdle for its use as a precise therapeutic target (DrugCentral).

Other names

KCNA6HBK2KV1.6PPP1R96RCK2Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 6

Voltage-gated potassium channel blocker