Title: KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 potassium channel subunits: molecular correlates of the M-channel.

Authors: H S Wang, Z Pan, W Shi, B S Brown, R S Wymore, I S Cohen, J E Dixon, D McKinnon

Journal, date & volume: Science, 1998 Dec 4 , 282, 1890-3

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9836639

Abstract
The M-current regulates the subthreshold electrical excitability of many neurons, determining their firing properties and responsiveness to synaptic input. To date, however, the genes that encode subunits of this important channel have not been identified. The biophysical properties, sensitivity to pharmacological blockade, and expression pattern of the KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 potassium channels were determined. It is concluded that both these subunits contribute to the native M-current.