Background: The Kv1.2 potassium channel is a voltage-gated channel protein which belongs to the delayed rectifier class and to the Shaker potassium channel subfamily which includes Kv1.1, Kv1.3, Kv1.4 and Kv1.5. Potassium channels are mainly found in plasma membranes but are not generally distributed over the cell surface. Potassium channels catalyze the rapid permeation of potassium ions while rejecting biologically abundant potential competitors such as sodium, calcium and magnesium. Ion selectivity and high through put rate of potassium channels is accomplished by precise co-ordination of dehydrated potassium by the protein and multiple ion occupancy within the permeation pathway. All potassium channels carry out the formation of a transmembrane leak specific for potassium ions. Since cells almost universally maintain cytoplasmic potassium concentrations higher than those extracellularly, the opening of a potassium channel implies a negative ongoing change in electrical voltage across the cell membrane. This may result in termination of the action potential of electrically excitable cells including nerve, muscle and pancreatic beta cells. In nonÐexcitable cells, potassium channels play important roles in the cellular potassium recycling required for electrolyte balance effected by the renal epithelium.
Immunogen: Synthetic peptide derived from the rat Kv1.2 potassium channel conjugated to KLH
Purification Method: Ammonium Sulfate Precipitation
Concentration: See vial for concentration
Formulation: Provided as solution in phosphate buffered saline with 0.08% sodium azide
References: 1. McKinnon,D 'Isolation of a cDNA clone coding for a putative second potassium channel indicates the existence of a gene family' J. Biol. Chem. 264 (14), 8230-8236 (1989)2. Stuhmer,W et.al 'Molecular basis of functional diversity of voltage-gated potassiumchannels in mammalian brain' EMBO J. 8 (11), 3235-3244 (1989)3. Roberds,S.L et.al 'Cloning and tissue-specific expression of five voltage-gated potassium channel cDNAs expressed in rat heart' Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 88 (5), 1798-1802 (1991) 4. Confuti,L. et al. 'O2-sensitive K+ channels: role of the Kv1.2 -subunit in mediating the hypoxic response.' J Physiol 524 Pt 3:783-93. (2000)5. Nashimi,R.et.al 'Abnormal axonal physiology is associated with altered expression and distribution of Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 K+ channels after chronic spinal cord injury.' Eur J Neurosci.12(2):491-506 (2000)
Caution: This product is intended FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY, and FOR TESTS IN VITRO, not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures involving humans or animals.