Key result
Kir5.1 dysfunction and altered expression are associated with various human diseases, including metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, salt-sensitive hypertension, sensorineural deafness, and multiple cancers.
Why the study?
Recent studies have highlighted the underestimated functions of the Kir5.1 subunit, prompting a summary of its pathophysiological roles and involvement in human diseases.
Kir5.1 plays a crucial role in maintaining potassium and acid-base balances, and its dysfunction is linked to metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, salt-sensitive hypertension, and altered respiratory responses.
The inward-rectifying potassium channel subunit Kir5.1, encoded by Kcnj16, can form functional heteromeric channels (Kir4.1/5.1 and Kir4.2/5.1) with Kir4.1 (encoded by Kcnj10) or Kir4.2 (encoded by Kcnj15). It is expressed in the kidneys, pancreas, thyroid, brain, and other organs. Although Kir5.1 cannot form functional homomeric channels in most cases, an increasing number of studies in recent years have found that the functions of this subunit should not be underestimated. Kir5.1 can confer intracellular pH sensitivity to Kir4.1/5.1 channels, which can act as extracellular potassium sensors in the renal distal convoluted tubule segment. This segment plays an important role in maintaining potassium and acid-base balances. This review summarizes the various pathophysiological processes involved in Kir5.1 and the expression changes of Kir5.1 as a differentially expressed gene in various cancers, as well as describing several other disease phenotypes caused by Kir5.1 dysfunction.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Zhang et al. (2023) conducted a review in Kir5.1-related channelopathies and diseases. Kir5.1 (KCNJ16) dysfunction or altered expression was evaluated. Kir5.1 dysfunction and altered expression are associated with various human diseases, including metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, salt-sensitive hypertension, sensorineural deafness, and multiple cancers.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: