KCNJ16 Channels: Structure, Functions and Potential Therapeutics

Target Name: KCNJ16

NCBI ID: G3773

KCNJ16

KCNJ16 Channels: Structure, Functions and Potential Therapeutics

The potassium channel KCNJ16 (K+ channel KIR5.1) is a molecule that plays an important role in neurons. K+ is the most common ion on the neuron cell membrane and is responsible for maintaining the normal function of neuron cells. Under normal conditions, K+ ions maintain a balance between concentrations inside and outside the neuron cell through the KCNJ16 channel. However, when neurons are stimulated, K+ ion channels change, allowing the neurons to better respond to external stimuli.

KCNJ16 is an ion channel consisting of a single transmembrane protein and two ion channels. The protein is composed of voltage-dependent calcium ion channels on neuronal cell membranes and is capable of binding K+ ions. When the voltage changes, the KCNJ16 protein undergoes conformational changes, causing the ion channel's open state to change. The positioning of KCNJ16 channels on the neuronal cell membrane is fixed, and its expression level can be affected by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle.

Research shows that KCNJ16 channels play an important role in the normal function of neurons. During the excitatory conduction of neurons, the KCNJ16 channel can promote the outflow of K+ ions, thereby maintaining the potential difference of the neuron cell membrane. In addition, KCNJ16 channels can also regulate the calcium ion concentration in neuronal cells, thereby affecting the metabolic activity of neuronal cells.

In addition, KCNJ16 channels are also closely related to the occurrence and development of neuronal diseases. For example, neuronal diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy, are closely related to abnormal expression and dysfunction of KCNJ16 channels in neurons.

Therefore, as a potential drug target (or biomarker), KCNJ16 has broad application prospects in the fields of neuroscience research and drug development. Studying the conformational changes and functions of KCNJ16 channels and their association with neuronal diseases will help reveal the pathogenesis of neuronal diseases and provide a theoretical basis for the development of new treatments.

Protein Name: Potassium Inwardly Rectifying Channel Subfamily J Member 16

Functions: Inward rectifier potassium channels are characterized by a greater tendency to allow potassium to flow into the cell rather than out of it. Their voltage dependence is regulated by the concentration of extracellular potassium; as external potassium is raised, the voltage range of the channel opening shifts to more positive voltages. The inward rectification is mainly due to the blockage of outward current by internal magnesium. KCNJ16 may be involved in the regulation of fluid and pH balance. In the kidney, together with KCNJ10, mediates basolateral K(+) recycling in distal tubules; this process is critical for Na(+) reabsorption at the tubules (PubMed:24561201)

The "KCNJ16 Target / Biomarker Review Report" is a customizable review of hundreds up to thousends of related scientific research literature by AI technology, covering specific information about KCNJ16 comprehensively, including but not limited to:
•   general information;
•   protein structure and compound binding;
•   protein biological mechanisms;
•   its importance;
•   the target screening and validation;
•   expression level;
•   disease relevance;
•   drug resistance;
•   related combination drugs;
•   pharmacochemistry experiments;
•   related patent analysis;
•   advantages and risks of development, etc.
The report is helpful for project application, drug molecule design, research progress updates, publication of research papers, patent applications, etc. If you are interested to get a full version of this report, please feel free to contact us at BD@silexon.ai

More Common Targets