Kv113

Kv113 is a voltage-gated potassium channel subunit that plays a role in neuronal excitability. It is encoded by the KCNH2 gene, also known as ERG (Ether-à-go-go-related gene). This gene is conserved across many species, highlighting its fundamental biological importance. Kv113 channels are characterized by their unique pore-forming structure, which includes six transmembrane segments. They assemble as tetramers to form functional ion channels.

The Kv113 channel is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system, where it contributes to the repolarization phase of action potentials. Its activity is modulated by various factors, including membrane potential, intracellular calcium levels, and protein phosphorylation. Dysregulation of Kv113 channel function has been implicated in several neurological disorders. For instance, mutations in the KCNH2 gene are a significant cause of the long QT syndrome, a cardiac arrhythmia that can lead to sudden death. While primarily known for its cardiac role in this context, the KCNH2 gene's expression and functional implications extend to the nervous system.

Research into Kv113 channels continues to unravel their complex physiological roles and their involvement in disease pathogenesis. Understanding the intricate mechanisms of Kv113 channel gating, modulation, and assembly is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies for conditions associated with channel dysfunction. The study of Kv113 contributes to a broader understanding of ion channel physiology and its impact on cellular and organismal health.