cDNA sequence, gene structure, and chromosomal localization of the human ATP-sensitive potassium channel, uKATP-1, gene (KCNJ8)

ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels play a crucial role in coupling metabolic energy to the membrane potential of cells. Recently, we have isolated a KATP channel cDNA (uKATP-1) that is expressed ubiquitously in rat tissues including pancreatic islets, pituitary, skeletal muscle, and heart. Here, we report cloning of the human cDNA and gene encoding uKATP-1. Human uKATP-1 is a protein of 424 amino acids exhibiting 98% identity with rat uKATP-1. The human gene encoding uKATP-1, designated KCNJ8, is approximately 9.7 kb in length and is composed of three exons. KCNJ8 was mapped to chromosome 12p11.23 using fluorescence in situ hybridization.