title: Chromosome 21 KIR channels in brain development.
abstract: Two KIR (K+ Inwardly Rectifying) channel genes have been identified on chromosome 21, in a region associated with important phenotypic features of trisomy 21, including mental retardation: KIR3.2 (GIRK2) and KIR4.2. We analysed the expression of these channel genes in developing human and mouse brains to determine the possible role of the corresponding channels in brain development and function. KIR3.2, which has been extensively studied in the mouse, was found to be expressed in the human cerebellum during development. The KIR4.2 channel is expressed later in development in both mice and humans. We compared the expression of these channels in terms of RNA and protein levels and discussed the potential synergy and consequences of the overexpression of these channels in Down's syndrome brain development.
authors.affiliation: EA3508, Université Denis Diderot, Paris, France.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Thiery
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vacher
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Delezoide
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Delabar
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Créau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D002891:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21 / Q000378:metabolism*; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics*; D005333:Fetus / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D012333:RNA, Messenger