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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/kcnj1/

KCNJ1 gene

potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 1

Normal Function

The KCNJ1 gene belongs to a large family of genes that produce potassium channels. These channels, which transport positively charged atoms (ions) of potassium into and out of cells, play a key role in a cell's ability to generate and transmit electrical signals.

The specific function of a potassium channel depends on its protein components and its location in the body. Channels made with the KCNJ1 protein, also known as ROMK, are predominantly found in the kidneys. ROMK is one of several proteins that work together to regulate the movement of ions into and out of kidney cells. In particular, the transport of potassium ions by ROMK is necessary for the normal function of another ion transporter called NKCC2 (which is produced from the SLC12A1 gene). This transporter plays an essential role in the reabsorption of salt (sodium chloride or NaCl) from the urine back into the bloodstream. The retention of salt affects the body's fluid levels and helps maintain blood pressure.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Bartter syndrome

Several dozen mutations in the KCNJ1 gene have been identified in people with Bartter syndrome type II. This form of the disorder causes severe or life-threatening health problems that become apparent before or soon after birth.

Some of the KCNJ1 gene mutations responsible for Bartter syndrome change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the ROMK protein. These mutations prevent the protein from reaching the cell membrane or alter the channel's ability to transport potassium ions. Other mutations in the KCNJ1 gene delete amino acids from the protein or lead to the production of an abnormally short, nonfunctional version of ROMK.

A loss of functional ROMK affects the normal activity of the NKCC2 protein, preventing it from transporting ions into kidney cells. As a result, the kidneys cannot reabsorb salt normally and excess salt is lost through the urine (salt wasting). The abnormal salt loss disrupts the normal balance of sodium, potassium, and other ions in the body. These imbalances underlie the major features of Bartter syndrome.

More About This Health Condition

Other disorders

Studies suggest that normal variants (polymorphisms) in the KCNJ1 gene may help explain variations in blood pressure seen in different people. Certain rare polymorphisms appear to protect against high blood pressure (hypertension), and researchers speculate that other genetic variants might increase the risk of high blood pressure. Changes in the KCNJ1 gene may affect blood pressure by altering the kidneys' ability to reabsorb salt into the bloodstream.

Other Names for This Gene

  • ATP-regulated potassium channel ROM-K
  • ATP-sensitive inward rectifier potassium channel 1
  • inward rectifier K(+) channel Kir1.1
  • inwardly rectifying K+ channel
  • IRK1_HUMAN
  • KIR1.1
  • potassium channel, inwardly rectifying subfamily J member 1
  • potassium channel, inwardly rectifying subfamily J, member 1
  • potassium inwardly-rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 1
  • ROMK
  • ROMK1

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Derst C, Konrad M, Kockerling A, Karolyi L, Deschenes G, Daut J, Karschin A, Seyberth HW. Mutations in the ROMK gene in antenatal Bartter syndrome are associated with impaired K+ channel function. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1997 Jan 23;230(3):641-5. doi: 10.1006/bbrc.1996.6024. Citation on PubMed
  • Jeck N, Derst C, Wischmeyer E, Ott H, Weber S, Rudin C, Seyberth HW, Daut J, Karschin A, Konrad M. Functional heterogeneity of ROMK mutations linked to hyperprostaglandin E syndrome. Kidney Int. 2001 May;59(5):1803-11. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.2001.0590051803.x. Citation on PubMed
  • Ji W, Foo JN, O'Roak BJ, Zhao H, Larson MG, Simon DB, Newton-Cheh C, State MW, Levy D, Lifton RP. Rare independent mutations in renal salt handling genes contribute to blood pressure variation. Nat Genet. 2008 May;40(5):592-599. doi: 10.1038/ng.118. Epub 2008 Apr 6. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Peters M, Ermert S, Jeck N, Derst C, Pechmann U, Weber S, Schlingmann KP, Seyberth HW, Waldegger S, Konrad M. Classification and rescue of ROMK mutations underlying hyperprostaglandin E syndrome/antenatal Bartter syndrome. Kidney Int. 2003 Sep;64(3):923-32. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.2003.00153.x. Citation on PubMed
  • Simon DB, Karet FE, Rodriguez-Soriano J, Hamdan JH, DiPietro A, Trachtman H, Sanjad SA, Lifton RP. Genetic heterogeneity of Bartter's syndrome revealed by mutations in the K+ channel, ROMK. Nat Genet. 1996 Oct;14(2):152-6. doi: 10.1038/ng1096-152. Citation on PubMed
  • Tobin MD, Tomaszewski M, Braund PS, Hajat C, Raleigh SM, Palmer TM, Caulfield M, Burton PR, Samani NJ. Common variants in genes underlying monogenic hypertension and hypotension and blood pressure in the general population. Hypertension. 2008 Jun;51(6):1658-64. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.108.112664. Epub 2008 Apr 28. Citation on PubMed
  • Welling PA, Ho K. A comprehensive guide to the ROMK potassium channel: form and function in health and disease. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2009 Oct;297(4):F849-63. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00181.2009. Epub 2009 May 20. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.