Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir2.1 , Kir2.2 , Kir6.2

Title: Cloning and expression of two brain-specific inwardly rectifying potassium channels.

Authors: D S Bredt, T L Wang, N A Cohen, W B Guggino, S H Snyder

Journal, date & volume: Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 1995 Jul 18 , 92, 6753-7

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7624316

Abstract
We have cloned two inwardly rectifying K+ channels that occur selectively in neurons in the brain and are designated BIRK (brain inwardly rectifying K+) channels. BIRK1 mRNA is extremely abundant and is enriched in specific brainstem nuclei, BIRK1 displays a consensus phosphate-binding loop, and expression in Xenopus oocytes has shown that its conductance is inhibited by ATP and adenosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate. BIRK2 is far less abundant and is selectively localized in telencephalic neurons. BIRK2 has a consensus sequence for cAMP-dependent phosphorylation.