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Updated: May 26, 2026

High-throughput Screening for Small-molecule Modulators of Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels
Published on: January 27, 2013
Review on regulation of inwardly rectifying potassium channels
Junshuai Wang1, Yuancheng Huang, Qin Ning
1Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
An inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir) is a kind of protein complex that is widely expressed on excitable and nonexcitable cell membranes. Kir channels serve important roles in cellular physiology such as cell excitability and K+ homeostasis. The Kirs (KIR1-7) are regulated by many factors: phosphatidylinosital-4, 5-bisphosphate (PIP2), ATP, or G-proteins. Other factors like polyamines, kinases, pH, and Na+ ions act cooperatively to modulate Kir channels. Different types and specific distributions of KIR channels determine the diversity of regulatory mechanisms. This review provides insight into Kir channel regulation.
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