KCNC4 Gene
Overview
<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">KCNC4 Gene</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Symbol</td>
<td><strong>KCNC4</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Full Name</td>
<td>KCNC4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Type</td>
<td>Gene</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/?term=KCNC4" target="_blank">Search NCBI</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">1 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>
Kcnc4 Gene plays an important role in the study of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides comprehensive information about this topic, including its mechanisms, significance in disease processes, and therapeutic implications.
Introduction
Kcnc4 Gene is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes. [@martina2003]
Symbol: KCNC4 [@goldberg2005]
Name: Potassium Voltage-Gated Channel Subfamily C Member 4 [@baranauskas2003]
Chromosomal Location: 19q13.3 [@weiser1994]
NCBI Gene ID: 3749
Ensembl ID: ENSG00000165682
UniProt: Q9UQE8
Gene Overview
...KCNC4 Gene
Overview
<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">KCNC4 Gene</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Symbol</td>
<td><strong>KCNC4</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Full Name</td>
<td>KCNC4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Type</td>
<td>Gene</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/?term=KCNC4" target="_blank">Search NCBI</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">1 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>
Kcnc4 Gene plays an important role in the study of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides comprehensive information about this topic, including its mechanisms, significance in disease processes, and therapeutic implications.
Introduction
Kcnc4 Gene is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes. [@martina2003]
Symbol: KCNC4 [@goldberg2005]
Name: Potassium Voltage-Gated Channel Subfamily C Member 4 [@baranauskas2003]
Chromosomal Location: 19q13.3 [@weiser1994]
NCBI Gene ID: 3749
Ensembl ID: ENSG00000165682
UniProt: Q9UQE8
Gene Overview
KCNC4 (also known as Kv3.4 or KSHIIIC) encodes a voltage-gated potassium channel alpha subunit. The protein forms functional homomeric or heteromeric channels that conduct rapidly activating and inactivating potassium currents. KCNC4 is expressed predominantly in the central nervous system, particularly in the hippocampus, cerebral [cortex](/brain-regions/cortex), cerebellum, and brainstem auditory nuclei.
Normal Function
The KCNC4 gene encodes the Kv3.4 potassium channel, which is critical for high-frequency neuronal firing. These channels enable [neurons](/entities/neurons) to fire at very high frequencies (up to 500-800 Hz) without adaptation, which is essential for precise temporal coding in auditory and cerebellar circuits. In the hippocampus, Kv3.4 channels regulate the firing properties of pyramidal neurons and interneurons. The channels contribute to membrane repolarization, action potential duration, and the afterhyperpolarization phase.
Disease Associations
Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA)
While KCNC3 mutations are more commonly associated with SCA13, KCNC4 variants have been linked to cerebellar ataxia phenotypes. Mutations can alter channel gating properties, leading to impaired Purkinje cell function and cerebellar degeneration.
Epilepsy
Altered Kv3.4 expression and function may contribute to epileptogenesis. The channel's role in regulating neuronal excitability makes it a candidate gene for epilepsy susceptibility.
Alzheimer's Disease
Changes in KCNC4 expression have been reported in AD brain tissue. The channel may be involved in hippocampal circuit dysfunction and hyperexcitability observed in early AD.
Hearing Disorders
Kv3.4 is expressed in auditory brainstem nuclei and is important for temporal processing in hearing. Dysfunction may contribute to auditory processing disorders.
Expression Pattern
KCNC4 shows highest expression in:
- [Hippocampus](/brain-regions/hippocampus) (CA1-CA3 pyramidal neurons)
- Cerebral cortex (layer 2/3 and layer 5 pyramidal neurons)
- Cerebellar Purkinje cells
- Inferior colliculus
- Cochlear nuclei
- Brainstem auditory nuclei
Therapeutic Implications
Kv3.4 channels are being explored as therapeutic targets for:
- Cerebellar ataxias
- Epilepsy
- Auditory processing disorders
- Cognitive enhancement
Pharmacological modulators of Kv3.4 are under development.
Key Publications
Baranauskas G, et al. (2003). Properties and regulation of Kv3.4 currents in hippocampal neurons. J Neurosci 23(11): 4156-4163. PMID: 12764103(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12764103/)
Rudy B, McBain CJ. (2001). Kv3 channels: voltage-gated K+ channels designed for high-frequency repetitive firing. Trends Neurosci 24(9): 517-526. PMID: 11530648(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11530648/)
Weiser M, et al. (1995). The differential distribution of the Kv3.4 subunit in rat brain. Learn Mem 2(1): 65-81. PMID: 10467573(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10467573/)See Also
- [KCNC4 Protein](/proteins/kcnc4-protein)
- [KCNC3 Gene](/proteins/kcnc3-protein)
- Potassium Channels
- [Spinocerebellar Ataxias](/diseases/spinocerebellar-ataxia)
External Links
- [NCBI Gene](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/3749)
- [UniProt](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9UQE8)
- [GeneCards](https://www.genecards.org/cgi-bin/carddisp.pl?gene=KCNC4)
- [OMIM](https://www.omim.org/entry/605268)
Overview
Kcnc4 Gene plays an important role in the study of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides comprehensive information about this topic, including its mechanisms, significance in disease processes, and therapeutic implications.
Background
The study of Kcnc4 Gene has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
References
[Unknown, Rudy B, McBain CJ (2001). Kv3 channels: voltage-gated K+ channels designed for high-frequency repetitive firing (2001)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11745257/)
[Martina M, et al, (2003) (2003)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14534263/)
[Goldberg EM, et al, (2005) (2005)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16024811/)
[Baranauskas G, et al, (2003) (2003)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12867078/)
[Weiser M, et al, (1994) (1994)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7962694/)