KCNMB2
Encyclopedia
Calcium-activated potassium channel subunit beta-2 is a protein
that in humans is encoded by the KCNMB2 gene
.
MaxiK channels
are large conductance, voltage and calcium-sensitive potassium channel
s which are fundamental to the control of smooth muscle tone and neuronal excitability. MaxiK channels can contain two distinct subunits: a pore-forming alpha subunit and a modulatory beta subunit. Each complete MaxiK channel contains four copies of the pore-forming alpha subunit and up to four beta subunits. The protein encoded by the KCNMB2 gene is an auxiliary beta subunit which influences the calcium sensitivity of MaxiK currents and, following activation of MaxiK current, causes persistent inactivation. The subunit encoded by the KCNMB2 gene is expressed in various endocrine cells, including pancreas and adrenal chromaffin cells. It is also found in the brain, including the hippocampus. The KCNMB2 gene is homologous to three other genes found in mammalian genomes: KCNMB1
(found primarily in smooth muscle), KCNMB3
, and KCNMB4
(the primary brain MaxiK auxiliary subunit).
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
that in humans is encoded by the KCNMB2 gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
.
MaxiK channels
BK channel
BK channels , also called Maxi-K or slo1, are ion channels characterized by their large conductance of potassium ions through cell membranes. These channels are activated by changes in membrane electrical potential and/or by increases in concentration of intracellular calcium ion...
are large conductance, voltage and calcium-sensitive potassium channel
Potassium channel
In the field of cell biology, potassium channels are the most widely distributed type of ion channel and are found in virtually all living organisms. They form potassium-selective pores that span cell membranes...
s which are fundamental to the control of smooth muscle tone and neuronal excitability. MaxiK channels can contain two distinct subunits: a pore-forming alpha subunit and a modulatory beta subunit. Each complete MaxiK channel contains four copies of the pore-forming alpha subunit and up to four beta subunits. The protein encoded by the KCNMB2 gene is an auxiliary beta subunit which influences the calcium sensitivity of MaxiK currents and, following activation of MaxiK current, causes persistent inactivation. The subunit encoded by the KCNMB2 gene is expressed in various endocrine cells, including pancreas and adrenal chromaffin cells. It is also found in the brain, including the hippocampus. The KCNMB2 gene is homologous to three other genes found in mammalian genomes: KCNMB1
KCNMB1
Calcium-activated potassium channel subunit beta-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KCNMB1 gene.-Further reading:...
(found primarily in smooth muscle), KCNMB3
KCNMB3
Calcium-activated potassium channel subunit beta-3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KCNMB3 gene.-Further reading:...
, and KCNMB4
KCNMB4
Calcium-activated potassium channel subunit beta-4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KCNMB4 gene.-Further reading:...
(the primary brain MaxiK auxiliary subunit).