KCNRG
Encyclopedia
Potassium channel regulator, also known as KCNRG, is a protein
which in humans is encoded by theKCNRG gene
.
and inhibits their function.
Researchers at Uppsala University
have found that KCNRG is found in the lower lung and constitutes an autoantigen in a rare disorder named autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1
(APS1). As a subset of patients with APS1 suffer from respiratory disease, an autoimmune reaction against KCNRG may explain the respiratory disease in these patients. KCNRG may also be connected to common nonfatal diseases like asthma
and chronic bronchitis
.
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
which in humans is encoded by theKCNRG gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
.
Function
KCNRG is a soluble protein with characteristics suggesting it forms hetero-tetramers with voltage-gated K+ channelsVoltage-gated potassium channel
Voltage-gated potassium channels are transmembrane channels specific for potassium and sensitive to voltage changes in the cell's membrane potential. During action potentials, they play a crucial role in returning the depolarized cell to a resting state....
and inhibits their function.
Clinical significance
KCNRG has been found to be predominatly expressed in lung tissue. Additionally, KCNRG transcripts are also found in liver and some other tissues, but in lower extent.Researchers at Uppsala University
Uppsala University
Uppsala University is a research university in Uppsala, Sweden, and is the oldest university in Scandinavia, founded in 1477. It consistently ranks among the best universities in Northern Europe in international rankings and is generally considered one of the most prestigious institutions of...
have found that KCNRG is found in the lower lung and constitutes an autoantigen in a rare disorder named autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1, also known as autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy , or Whitaker syndrome, is a form of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome....
(APS1). As a subset of patients with APS1 suffer from respiratory disease, an autoimmune reaction against KCNRG may explain the respiratory disease in these patients. KCNRG may also be connected to common nonfatal diseases like asthma
Asthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
and chronic bronchitis
Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the large bronchi in the lungs that is usually caused by viruses or bacteria and may last several days or weeks. Characteristic symptoms include cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath and wheezing related to the obstruction of the inflamed airways...
.