ionscm2

ionscm2 (Ion-channel Subunit M2) is a hypothetical vertebrate gene and its protein product. In silico analyses describe ionscm2 as encoding a small, integral membrane protein that is proposed to be a subunit of an ion channel complex, potentially influencing conductance and ion selectivity in neurons and cardiac tissue. This entry presents ionscm2 as a model example and does not claim validated experimental findings.

Predicted structure includes four transmembrane helices, with cytoplasmic N- and C- termini. Extracellular loops may contain conserved cysteine motifs, implying disulfide bonding. The protein is forecast to be glycosylated in extracellular domains, and to associate with core pore-forming subunits to form a functional channel.

Expression patterns are predicted to be enriched in brain and heart tissues, with possible upregulation following neuronal activity. In proposed models, ionscm2 functions as an auxiliary subunit that modulates gating kinetics and ion selectivity rather than forming the ion conduction pore itself.

Protein interactions are hypothesized with core channel subunits and scaffolding proteins, as well as with other auxiliary subunits. Alternative splicing could generate multiple isoforms with distinct regulatory regions, suggesting potential tissue- or development-specific roles.

Currently, there are no experimentally validated disease associations for ionscm2. It is used in comparative genomics and in silico studies to illustrate features of ion-channel subunits and the approach to characterizing hypothetical proteins. Validation through experimental studies would be required to establish any real-world existence or function.