Partial gene structure and assignment to chromosome 2q37 of the human inwardly rectifying K+ channel (K(ir)7.1) gene (KCNJ13)

The novel weakly inward rectifying potassium channel K(ir)7.1 is a low-cond uctance channel that is predominantly expressed in epithelial cells. Here w e describe a partial genomic characterization and the chromosomal assignmen t of the human K(ir)7.1 gene (KCNJ13). Analysis of the genomic structure us ing a PCR-based approach revealed a single 2088-bp intron in the coding reg ion of KCNJ13. PCR analysis of monochromosomal and radiation hybrid panels assigns KCNJ13 to band 2q37 between markers D2S331 and D2S345. In addition, a single nucleotide polymorphism (C524-->T), leading to an exchange of a T hr with an ne residue at amino acid position 175, was found. (C) 1998 Acade mic Press.