CAPD2

CAPD2, also known as Calcium-activated potassium channel subfamily D member 2, is a protein-encoded gene. This gene is responsible for the production of a specific type of ion channel. These channels are integral to the cell membrane and play a crucial role in regulating the flow of potassium ions across the membrane. The activity of the CAPD2 channel is directly influenced by the concentration of calcium ions within the cell. When calcium levels rise, the CAPD2 channel opens, allowing potassium ions to exit the cell. This outward movement of potassium ions typically leads to hyperpolarization of the cell membrane, making it less likely to fire an electrical signal.

The CAPD2 protein is found in various tissues throughout the body, with notable expression in the nervous system and cardiac muscle. Its involvement in neuronal excitability suggests a role in processes such as synaptic transmission and the regulation of neuronal firing patterns. In the heart, the modulation of potassium flux by CAPD2 can impact cardiac action potentials and contribute to the maintenance of normal heart rhythm. Research into CAPD2 continues to explore its precise physiological functions and its potential implications in various disease states where ion channel dysfunction is implicated.