KCNK4 Gene Summary [Human]
This gene encodes a member of the TWIK-related arachidonic acid-stimulated two pore potassium channel subfamily. The encoded protein homodimerizes and functions as an outwardly rectifying channel. This channel is regulated by polyunsaturated fatty acids, temperature and mechanical deformation of the lipid membrane. This protein is expressed primarily in neural tissues and may be involved in regulating the noxious input threshold in dorsal root ganglia neurons. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants. Naturally occurring read-through transcripts also exist between this gene and the downstream testis expressed 40 (TEX40) gene, as represented in GeneID: 106780802. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2015]
Details
| Type | Retained Intron |
| Official Symbol | KCNK4 |
| Official Name | potassium two pore domain channel subfamily K member 4 [Source:HGNC Symbol;Acc:HGNC:6279] |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000182450 |
| Bio databases IDs | |
| Aliases | potassium two pore domain channel subfamily K member 4 |
| Synonyms | 1700019N12RIK, A430107B04RIK, Catsperz, FHEIG, K2p4.1, KT4.1, MLZ-622, potassium channel, subfamily K, member 4, potassium two pore domain channel subfamily K member 4, Tex40, TRAAK, TRAAK1, TRAAKt |
| Species | Human, Homo sapiens |
| Orthologies |
Protein Domains
A protein domain is a distinct structural or functional region within a protein that can evolve, function, and exist independently of the rest of the protein chain. These domains in human KCNK4 often fold into stable, three-dimensional structures and are associated with specific biological functions, such as binding to DNA, other proteins, or small molecules.
- potassium channel
- outward rectifier potassium channel
- channel/pore class transporter
- protein binding
- mechanically-gated ion channel
- identical protein binding
- ion channel
- cation channel
Top Findings
The most significant associations for this gene, including commonly observed domains, pathway involvement, and functional highlights based on current data.
disease
- facial dysmorphism, hypertrichosis, epilepsy, intellectual or developmental delay, and gingival overgrowth syndrome
regulates
- K+
role in cell
- action potential
- response by
- action potential in
Subcellular Expression
Locations within the cell where the protein is known or predicted to be active, providing insight into its function and cellular context.
- Plasma Membrane
- cellular membrane
- nodes of Ranvier
- perikaryon
Gene Ontology Annotations
Describes the biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions associated with the human KCNK4 gene, providing context for its role in the cell.
Biological Process
Functions and activities the gene product is involved in
- potassium ion transport
- cellular response to mechanical stimulus
- potassium ion transmembrane transport
- cellular response to fatty acid
- cellular response to temperature stimulus
- cellular response to alkalinity
- sensory perception of pain
- memory
- detection of mechanical stimulus involved in sensory perception of touch
- stabilization of membrane potential
- sensory perception of temperature stimulus
Cellular Component
Where in the cell the gene product is active
- potassium channel complex
- plasma membrane
Molecular Function
What the gene product does at the molecular level
- outward rectifier potassium channel activity
- potassium channel activity
- potassium ion leak channel activity