Inwardly rectifying K+ channels

Inwardly rectifying K+ channels (Kir channels) show an inward rather than outward (like the voltage gated K+ channels) flow of K+ thereby contributing to maintenance of resting membrane potential and regulation of action potential in excitable tissue. Kir channels are found in a variety of cell types such as cardiac myocytes, neurons, blood cells, osteoblasts, glial cells, epithelial cells, and oocytes. Kir channels can be functionally divided into ATP sensitive K+ channels (Kir 6.1 and Kir 6.2), classical kir channels (Kir 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 5.1) G protein gated K+ channels (Kir 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) and K+ transport channels (Kir1.1, 7.1, 4.2, 4.1).

Summary from Reactome (R-HSA-1296065), read 2026-09-23.