K_v12.1 is a voltage-gated K⁺ channel that belongs to the ether-a-go-go (EAG) family. The EAG family of voltage-gated K⁺ channels can be subdivided into three distinct groups based on sequence homology. They are the eag (K_v10) with two members, the eag-related channels (erg or K_v11) and the eag-like K⁺ channels (elk or K_v12) with three members each.

As all members of the family, K_v12.1 possess the signature structure of the voltage-dependent K⁺ channels: six membrane-spanning domains with intracellular N and C termini. As with all voltage-dependent K⁺ channels the functional channel is a tetramer composed of four subunits. It has been suggested that the K_v12 subfamily members can form functional heteromultimers within the subfamily.

K_v12.1 channel distribution appears to be mainly confined to the central nervous system with some expression in peripheral organs such as testis, colon and lung.

The physiological function of the K_v12.1 channel hasn’t been established, although a role in the modulation of overall excitability of neurons has been suggested.  

At the moment there isn’t much pharmacological data concerning the modulation of the K_v12.1 channel except for blocking of the channel by Ba²⁺.

We have now produced a new Anti-K_v12.1 antibody that is directed against a highly conserved epitope of the rat protein. The antibody will probably recognize also human and mouse samples.