Kv1

The α-subunit of the Kv1 family are mammalian homologous of the Shaker subunits originally described in Drosophila[1348]. Multiple members of the Kv1(Kv1.1-1.6) subfamily have been found in the CNS. Kv1.1 is a shaker voltage-gated potassium channel encoded by the KCNA1 gene [252]. Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 are low-voltage activated (LVA) channels that open with small depolarizations at or below rest- ing potential [1590] Kcna1 gene is conserved in human, chimpanzee, dog, cow, mouse, chicken and zebra fish. The α-subunit of Kv1 are known to form heteromultimers [734].

Voltage-gated potassium channel subunits Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3, Kv1.4 and Kv1.6 are the major Kv1 α subunits in the mammalian brain.[329]

The diversity of voltage-gated K+ channels in mammalian brain depends on the expression of several RCK proteins by a family of genes and their assembly to homooligomeric K+ channels with different functional properties.[274]