Human KCNJ11/MED23 Stable Cell Line-HEK293

Molecular cloning has identified the channel as a heteromer comprised of four pore-forming subunits, termed Kir 6.2, and four auxiliary sulphonylurea receptor subunits, Sur2A. The channel is gated by intracellular ATP and NDP while the Sur2A is regulated by both agonists, such as the potassium channel opener pinacidil, and antagonists, such as glibenclamide. In vivo the cardiac KATP channel is thought to be cardioprotective during periods of ischemic stress, as activation of the channel hyperpolarizes the cell, reducing calcium channel activity, leading to a shortening of the action potential duration.