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Reviewed April 2014
What is the official name of the KCNJ5 gene?
The official name of this gene is “potassium channel, inwardly rectifying subfamily J, member 5.”
KCNJ5 is the gene's official symbol. The KCNJ5 gene is also known by other names, listed below.
Read more about gene names and symbols on the About page.
What is the normal function of the KCNJ5 gene?
The KCNJ5 gene provides instructions for making a protein that functions as a potassium channel, which means that it transports positively charged atoms (ions) of potassium into and out of cells. Potassium channels produced from the KCNJ5 gene are thought to help regulate production of the hormone aldosterone. In the adrenal glands, which are small hormone-producing glands located on top of each kidney, the channels control the flow of ions into the cell. The flow of ions creates an electrical charge across the cell membrane, which affects the triggering of certain biochemical processes (pathways) that regulate aldosterone production. Aldosterone helps control blood pressure by maintaining proper salt and fluid levels in the body.
Does the KCNJ5 gene share characteristics with other genes?
The KCNJ5 gene belongs to a family of genes called KCN (potassium channels).
A gene family is a group of genes that share important characteristics. Classifying individual genes into families helps researchers describe how genes are related to each other. For more information, see What are gene families? in the Handbook.
How are changes in the KCNJ5 gene related to health conditions?
Where is the KCNJ5 gene located?
Cytogenetic Location: 11q24
Molecular Location on chromosome 11: base pairs 128,891,417 to 128,921,164
The KCNJ5 gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 11 at position 24.
More precisely, the KCNJ5 gene is located from base pair 128,891,417 to base pair 128,921,164 on chromosome 11.
See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? in the Handbook.
Where can I find additional information about KCNJ5?
You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about KCNJ5 helpful.
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.
What other names do people use for the KCNJ5 gene or gene products?
See How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook.
Where can I find general information about genes?
The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.
What glossary definitions help with understanding KCNJ5?
adrenal glands ; aldosterone ; ATP ; benign ; calcium ; cardiac ; cell ; cell membrane ; channel ; familial ; gene ; hormone ; hypertension ; inherited ; ions ; kidney ; potassium ; protein ; sodium ; sporadic
You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary.
See also Understanding Medical Terminology.
References (10 links)
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.