KCNK3

Potassium channel subfamily K member 3

K(+) channel that conducts voltage-dependent outward rectifying currents upon membrane depolarization. Voltage sensing is coupled to K(+) electrochemical gradient in an 'ion flux gating' mode where outward but not inward ion flow opens the gate (PubMed:23169818, PubMed:26919430, PubMed:32499642, PubMed:36195757, PubMed:9312005). Changes ion selectivity and becomes permeable to Na(+) ions in response to extracellular acidification. Protonation of the pH sensor His-98 stabilizes C-type inactivation conformation likely converting the channel from outward K(+)-conducting, to inward Na(+)-conducting to nonconductive state (PubMed:22948150). Homo- and heterodimerizes to form functional channels with distinct regulatory and gating properties (PubMed:23169818, PubMed:32499642). Allows K(+) currents with fast-gating kinetics important for the repolarization and hyperpolarization phases of action potentials (By similarity). In cerebellar granule cells, heteromeric KCNK3:KCNK9 channel may hyperpolarize the resting membrane potential to limit intrinsic neuronal excitability, but once the action potential threshold is reached, it may support high-frequency action potential firing and increased neuronal excitability (By similarity). Dispensable for central chemosensory respiration i.e. breathing controlled by brainstem CO2/pH, it rather conducts pH-sensitive currents and controls the firing rate of serotonergic raphe neurons involved in potentiation of the respiratory chemoreflex. Additionally, imparts chemosensitivity to type 1 cells in carotid bodies which respond to a decrease in arterial oxygen pressure or an increase in carbon dioxide pressure or pH to initiate adaptive changes in pulmonary ventilation (By similarity). In adrenal gland, contributes to the maintenance of a hyperpolarized resting membrane potential of aldosterone-producing cells at zona glomerulosa and limits aldosterone release as part of a regulatory mechanism that controls arterial blood pressure and electrolyte homeostasis (By similarity). In brown adipocytes, mediates K(+) efflux that counteracts norepinephrine-induced membrane depolarization, limits Ca(2+) efflux and downstream cAMP and PKA signaling, ultimately attenuating lipid oxidation and adaptive thermogenesis (By similarity)