KCNQ3

Pore-forming subunit of the voltage-gated potassium (Kv) M-channel which is responsible for the M-current, a key controller of neuronal excitability. M-channel is composed of pore-forming subunits KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 assembled as heterotetramers. The native M-current has a slowly activating and deactivating potassium conductance which plays a critical role in determining the subthreshold electrical excitability of neurons as well as the responsiveness to synaptic inputs. M-channel is selectively permeable in vitro to other cations besides potassium, in decreasing order of affinity K(+) > Rb(+) > Cs(+) > Na(+). M-channel association with SLC5A3/SMIT1 alters channel ion selectivity, increasing Na(+) and Cs(+) permeation relative to K(+). Suppressed by activation of M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. KCNQ3 also associates with KCNQ5 to form a functional channel in vitro and may also contribute to the M-current in brain..

Function from UniProtKB (O43525), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.