This gene encodes a member of the degenerin/epithelial
sodium channel (DEG/ENaC) superfamily. The members of this family
are amiloride-sensitive sodium channels that contain intracellular
N and C termini, two hydrophobic transmembrane regions, and a large
extracellular loop, which has many cysteine residues with conserved
spacing. The member encoded by this gene is an acid sensor and may
play an important role in the detection of lasting pH changes. In
addition, a heteromeric association between this member and ACCN1
has been observed as proton-gated channels sensitive to gadolinium.
Alternative splicing of this gene generates three transcript
variants encoding distinct isoforms.
