K2P1.1 (also named TWIK-1 or KCNK1) is a member of the 2-pore (2P) domain K+ channels family that at the moment includes 14 members. These channels show little time or voltage dependence and are considered to be “leak” or “background” K+ channels, thereby generating background currents which help set the membrane resting potential and cell excitation. The K2P channels have a signature topology that includes four transmembrane domains and two pore domains with intracellular N- and C termini. nK2P channels are regulated by diverse physical and chemical stimuli including temperature, pH, mechanical stretch, inhalation anesthetics, etc. but are insensitive to the classical K+ channel blockers.nK2P1.1 was the first of the K2P channels to be identified and as its original name indicates (Tandem of P domains in a Weak Inward rectifier K+ channel) the channel behaves as a weak inward rectifier when expressed in heterologous systems. The channel is ubiquitously expressed with the most prominent expression in the brain, kidney and heart.
