Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 4 (KCNQ4) (KCNQ4)

Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 4 (KCNQ4), also known as Kv7.4, is a transmembrane protein that forms voltage-gated potassium channels, primarily as homotetramers in the inner ear (UniProt P56696). It is localized to the outer hair cells of the cochlea, where it plays a vital role in potassium ion recycling and maintaining the electrical environment necessary for auditory transduction (PubMed: 10072428). Mutations in the KCNQ4 gene are the underlying cause of DFNA2, an autosomal dominant form of progressive nonsyndromic hearing loss (PubMed: 10712414). Beyond the auditory system, KCNQ4 is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells and contributes to the regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure (PubMed: 24928851). Pharmacological research focuses on developing selective KCNQ4 activators, such as ML213, to treat hearing loss and tinnitus while minimizing off-target effects on other Kv7 subtypes (PubMed: 21653227). However, the high structural similarity between Kv7 family members poses a challenge for achieving the necessary drug selectivity to avoid central nervous system side effects.

Other names

Kv7.4Potassium channel subunit alpha Kv7.4DFNA2KQT-like 4

Positive allosteric modulation (opening) of the channel to increase potassium efflux and stabilize membrane potential.