KV1.6 is a mammalian voltage dependent K+ channel, homologous to the Drosophila Shaker K+ channel. KV1.6 was first cloned from human brain. Eight Shaker related genes exist in mammals constituting the KV1, subfamily of the large KV channel family of genes.A functional KV1 channel is either a membrane spanning homotetramer or heterotetramer, which is composed of members of the same subfamily. In addition several auxiliary subunits and intracellular proteins might interact with the channel and affect its function.The structure of KV1.6 channel is similar to all KV channels and includes six membrane spanning helixes creating a voltage sensor domain and a pore domain. The channel is expressed in neurons and other supporting cells in the brain, in cardiac and smooth muscle tissue as well as in ovary and testis2 and its activity influences the membrane potential and excitability of expressing cells.KV1.6 channels are sensitive to low doses of TEA (7 mM) and high doses of 4-AP (1.5 mM), the “classical” non-selective potassium channel blockers
