Kv12.3 (also known as elk3 and KCNH4) is a voltage-gated K+ channel that belongs to the ether-a-go-go (EAG) family. The EAG family of voltage-gated K+ channels can be subdivided into three distinct groups based on sequence homology. These are the eag (Kv10) with two members, the eag-related channels (erg or Kv11) and the eag-like K+ channels (elk or Kv12) with three members each.
As all members of the family, Kv12.3 possesses the signature structure of the voltage-dependent K+ channels: six membrane-spanning domains with intracellular N and C termini. As with all voltage-dependent K+ channels the functional channel is a tetramer composed of four subunits. It has been suggested that the Kv12 subfamily members can form functional heteromultimers within the subfamily.1,2
Kv12.3 channel distribution appears to be mainly confined to the central nervous system with some expression in peripheral organs such as testis and lung.3
The physiological function of the Kv12.3 channel hasn’t been established, although a role in the modulation of overall excitability of neurons has been suggested.3
At the moment there isn’t much pharmacological data concerning the modulation of the Kv12.3 channel except for blocking of the channel by Ba2+.3
Alomone Labs is pleased to offer a highly specific antibody directed against an epitope located at the intracellular C-terminal part of the rat Kv12.3. Anti-Kv12.3 (Elk3) antibody (#AG1097) can be used in Western blot and immunohistochemical applications, and recognizes Kv12.3 from rat and human samples.
