The potassium channel RNA editing signal is an RNA element

Cis-regulatory element

A cis-regulatory element or cis-element is a region of DNA or RNA that regulates the expression of genes located on that same molecule of DNA . This term is constructed from the Latin word cis, which means "on the same side as". These cis-regulatory elements are often binding sites for one or...

 found in human Kv1.1 and its homologues which directs the efficient modification of an adenosine to inosine

Inosine

Inosine is a nucleoside that is formed when hypoxanthine is attached to a ribose ring via a β-N9-glycosidic bond....

 by an adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR

ADAR

Double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ADAR gene.-Further reading:...

). The ADAR modification causes an isoleucine

Isoleucine

Isoleucine is an α-amino acid with the chemical formula HO2CCHCHCH2CH3. It is an essential amino acid, which means that humans cannot synthesize it, so it must be ingested. Its codons are AUU, AUC and AUA....

/valine

Valine

Valine is an α-amino acid with the chemical formula HO2CCHCH2. L-Valine is one of 20 proteinogenic amino acids. Its codons are GUU, GUC, GUA, and GUG. This essential amino acid is classified as nonpolar...

 recoding event which lies in the ion-conducting pore of the 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...

. It is thought that this editing event targets the process of fast inactivation and allows a more rapid recovery from inactivation at negative potentials.