The Kv1.7 voltage-gated K+ channel, is a member of the Shaker family of K+ channels that today includes eight members (Kv1.1- Kv1.8). Kv1.7 possesses the signature structure of the voltage-dependent K+ channels: six membrane-spanning domains and intracellular N and C termini. As with other channels of the Shaker subfamily, Kv1.7 can readily form heteromers with other members of the subfamily to compose the tetramer that forms the functional channel.
Kv1.7 mRNA was found to be expressed mainly in the heart with somewhat lower levels in pancreas and skeletal muscle.
The biophysical and pharmacological properties of the Kv1.7 channel closely resembles that of the ultra-rapidly activating delayed rectifier (IKur) in cardiac tissue. This current plays a central role in cardiac atrial repolarization that was largely believed to correspond to the activity of the Kv1.5 channel. This raises the possibility that the IKur current is the result of a heteromeric Kv1.5/ Kv1.7 channel.
We have now developed a highly specific antibody directed against the intracellular N-terminus domain of the Kv1.7 protein. Activity of the antibody was confirmed in mouse samples. The antibody will not recognize the human Kv1.7 protein.
