Kir7.1 (KCNJ13) 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+ homeostasis1.
Kir7.1, an inwardly rectifying K+ channel with unusual permeation properties is localized in epithelial cells of the thyroid, small intestine, kidney tubules, choroid plexus and in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), where it forms a major component of the apical membrane K+ conductance2.
A mutation in the gene encoding the channel was found to cause snowflake vitreoretinal degeneration (SVD) which is a developmental and progressive hereditary eye disorder that affects multiple tissues within the eye3.
Alomone Labs is pleased to offer a highly specific antibody directed against an epitope located at the extracellular loop domain of the rat Kir7.1 channel. Anti-Kir7.1 (extracellular) antibody (#AG1402) can be used in Western blot, immunohistochemical and indirect flow cytometry applications, and was designed to recognize Kir7.1 from rat, mouse and human samples.
