K2P13.1 (also named Tandem Pore Domain Halotane Inhibited K+ channel, THIK -1or KCNK13) is a member of the 2-pore (2P) domain K+ channels family that at the moment includes 15 members. These channels show little time or voltage dependence and are considered to be “leak” or “background” K+ channels, thereby generating background currents which help set the membrane resting potential and cell excitation.1
The K2P channels have a signature topology that includes four transmembrane domains and two pore domains with intracellular N- and C termini. It has been proposed that the functional channel unit is a dimer.
K2P channels are regulated by diverse physical and chemical stimuli including temperature, pH, mechanical stretch, inhalation anesthetics, etc. but are insensitive to classical K+ channel blockers.
The K2P13.1 channel is activated by arachidonic acid and inhibited by the volatile anesthetic halothane. The channel is relatively widely expressed in peripheral tissues such as kidney, heart, lung and liver but it is also expressed in brain.
The physiological function of the K2P13.1 channel is not clear but an involvement in the physiological response to reduced oxygen levels (hypoxia) has been proposed.2
Alomone Labs is pleased to offer a highly specific antibody directed against an epitope in the extracellular 1st loop of the rat K2P13.1 channel. Anti- K2P13.1 (THIK-1) (extracellular) antibody (#AG1092) can be used in Western blot and immunohistochemical applications, and recognizes K2P13.1 channel from mouse and rat samples.
