Potassium Channel Subfamily K, Member 17 (KCNK17)

KCNK17 belongs to the family of potassium channel proteins containing two pore-forming P domains. This channel is an open rectifier which primarily passes outward current under physiological K+ concentrations. This gene is activated at alkaline pH. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.The deduced 343-amino acid KCNK17 protein has a calculated molecular mass of about 38 kD. It contains 4 transmembrane (M) domains and 2 intervening pore (P) domains. Within the transmembrane domains, KCNK17 shares 38% identity with KCNK5. RT-PCR revealed wide expression of KCNK17. Highest expression was in liver, lung, placenta, pancreas, small intestine, and aorta. Intermediate levels were detected in heart, colon, ovary, peripheral blood leukocytes, prostate, spleen, testis, and thymus.