KV1.4 is a mammalian voltage dependent K+ channel, homologous to the Drosophila Shaker K+ channel. KV1.4 was first cloned from rat brain. Eight Shaker related genes exist in mammals constituting the KV1, subfamily of the large KV channel family of genes.A functional KV1 channel is either a membrane spanning homotetramer or heterotetramer, which is composed of members of the same subfamily. In addition several auxiliary subunits and intracellular proteins might interact with the channel and affect its function.
