ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels are found in endocrine cells, neurons and both smooth and striated muscle, where they play an important role in controlling insulin secretion and vascular tone, and protect neurons under metabolic stress. Kir6.2 is a member of the inward rectifier potassium channel family, which is characterised by a greater tendency to allow potassium flow into the cell rather than out of it. It associates with the sulphonylurea receptor SUR1/ABCC8 to form a subfamily of K(ATP) channels that, when mutated or misregulated, are associated with forms of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, neonatal diabetes, or pre-disposition to type 2 diabetes mellitus.

HUMAN

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