KCNE1 and KCNQ1 are the genes encoding the two components of the Iks channel and this association was not fully understood for a long time. KCNQ1 (KV7.1) is a protein with six transmembrane domains and a typical pore loop containing a potassium signature sequence.nThe KNCE1 gene encodes the protein “minK”. This gene is one of family of genes that encode small channel subunits (smaller than 130 amino-acids) that co-assemble with bigger subunits thus changing channel gating properties. These are currently the smallest known potassium channel subunits. Their small size and putative transmembrane domain prevent them from forming channels on their own. In addition, in an experiment where mammalian cells were transfected with mink, no K+ currents were observed. When transfecting cells with a combination of KNCE1 and KNCQ1 the currents observed were up to ten times larger than currents induced by the KNCQ1 subunit alone
