Kir5.1 is a member of the family of inward rectifying K+ channels. The family includes 15 members that are structurally and functionally different from the voltage-dependent K+ channels.
The family’s protein topology consists of two transmembrane domains that flank a single and highly conserved pore region with intracellular N- and C-termini. As is the case for the voltage-dependent K+ channels the functional unit for the Kir channels is composed of four subunits that can assembly as either homo or heteromers.
Kir channels are characterized by a K+ efflux that is limited by depolarizing membrane potentials thus making them essential for controlling resting membrane potential and K+ homeostasis.1
Kir5.1 can co-assemble with other Kir channels such as Kir2.1, Kir4.1 and Kir4.2. In fact, heteromeric Kir4.1/ Kir5.1 form the basolateral small-conductance K+ channel in distal nephron segments that is responsible for generating the basolateral membrane potential that determines the magnitude and direction of K+ diffusion from cell to peritubular fluid in the nephron.2
The Kir5.1 homomeric channel was largely thought to be non-functional, although recent evidence demonstrates that Kir5.1 homomers can form functional channels when co-expressed with the anchor protein PSD-95 in the brain where it is abundantly expressed.3
Alomone Labs is pleased to offer a highly specific antibody directed against an epitope located at the intracellular C-terminal domain of the rat Kir5.1 channel. Anti-Kir5.1 antibody (#AG1090) can be used in Western blot and immunohistochemical applications, and was designed to recognize Kir5.1 from rat, mouse and human samples.
