Kv74

Kv74 refers to a specific voltage-gated potassium channel subfamily. These channels are integral membrane proteins that play a crucial role in regulating the flow of potassium ions across cell membranes. The Kv7 family, also known as KCNQ, is characterized by its slow activation and deactivation kinetics, meaning they open and close relatively slowly in response to changes in membrane voltage. This slow gating property is essential for their functions in various tissues.

The Kv7.4 (KCNQ4) gene encodes one of the subunits of these channels. Kv7.4 channels are predominantly expressed in the inner ear, where they are vital for hearing and balance. They are found in the hair cells of the cochlea and vestibular system. Mutations in the KCNQ4 gene have been linked to certain forms of hereditary hearing loss, specifically autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing impairment. Research into Kv7.4 channels is ongoing to understand their precise molecular mechanisms and to explore potential therapeutic targets for hearing disorders. Their expression and function are also being investigated in other tissues, though their role in the inner ear is the most extensively studied.