Recombinant Human Potassium channel subfamily K member 13 (KCNK13) Protein

Function

K(+) channel that conducts outward rectifying tonic currents potentiated by purinergic signals (PubMed:24163367, PubMed:25148687, PubMed:30472253, PubMed:38409076). Homo- and heterodimerizes to form functional channels with distinct regulatory and gating properties (PubMed:25148687, PubMed:40011745, PubMed:40011746, PubMed:40307591, PubMed:40178898). Contributes most of K(+) currents at the plasma membrane of resting microglia (PubMed:38409076). Maintains a depolarized membrane potential required for proper ramified microglia morphology and phagocytosis, selectively mediating microglial pruning of presynaptic compartments at hippocampal excitatory synapses (PubMed:38409076). Upon local release of ATP caused by neuronal injury or infection, it is potentiated by P2RY12 and P2RX7 receptor signaling and contributes to ATP-triggered K(+) efflux underlying microglial NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and IL1B release (PubMed:38409076)

Subcellular Location

Cell membrane (Multi-pass membrane protein)

Tissue Specificity

Expressed in microglia (at protein level)

Subunit

Homodimer (PubMed:40011745, PubMed:40011746, PubMed:40178898, PubMed:40307591). Heterodimer with KCNK12 (PubMed:25148687)

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• Mural R.J. et al. PubMed: CI-56FT96O07V0QG (JUL-)
• The status, quality, and expansion of the NIH full-length cDNA project: the Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC). — Genome Res. (2004)
• Chatelain F.C. et al. Silencing of the tandem pore domain halothane-inhibited K+ channel 2 (THIK2) relies on combined intracellular retention and low intrinsic activity at the plasma membrane. — J. Biol. Chem. (2013)
• Blin S. et al. Tandem pore domain halothane-inhibited K+ channel subunits THIK1 and THIK2 assemble and form active channels. — J. Biol. Chem. (2014)
• Staudacher I. et al. Cloning and characterization of zebrafish K2P13.1 (THIK-1) two-pore-domain K+ channels. — J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol. (2019)
• Rifat A. et al. Differential contribution of THIK-1 K+ channels and P2X7 receptors to ATP-mediated neuroinflammation by human microglia. — J. Neuroinflamm. (2024)