Anti-KCNK4

This gene encodes a member of the TWIK-related arachidonic acid-stimulated two pore potassium channel subfamily. The encoded protein homodimerizes and functions as an outwardly rectifying channel. This channel is regulated by polyunsaturated fatty acids, temperature and mechanical deformation of the lipid membrane. This protein is expressed primarily in neural tissues and may be involved in regulating the noxious input threshold in dorsal root ganglia neurons. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants. Naturally occurring read-through transcripts also exist between this gene and the downstream testis expressed 40 (TEX40) gene, as represented in GeneID: 106780802. Protein function: Voltage-insensitive potassium channel (PubMed:22282805). Channel opening is triggered by mechanical forces that deform the membrane (PubMed:22282805, PubMed:25471887, PubMed:25500157, PubMed:30290154). Channel opening is triggered by raising the intracellular pH to basic levels. The channel is inactive at 24 degrees Celsius (in vitro), raising the temperature to 37 degrees Celsius increases the frequency of channel opening, with a further increase in channel activity when the temperature is raised to 42 degrees Celsius. Plays a role in the perception of pain caused by heat. Plays a role in the sensory perception of pain caused by pressure. [The UniProt Consortium]