The KCNJ11 gene encodes the Kir6.2 protein, a key subunit of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. These channels, formed by Kir6.2 and sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) subunits, regulate insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells by coupling cellular metabolism to membrane excitability. Antibodies targeting KCNJ11/Kir6.2 are critical tools for studying channel expression, localization, and dysfunction in diseases like diabetes.
Mutations in KCNJ11 are linked to neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) and congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), making Kir6.2 antibodies valuable for diagnosing and researching these disorders. In research, they are used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to assess protein levels in tissues or validate disease models. Commercially available antibodies are typically monoclonal or polyclonal, with specificity validated using knockout controls.
Clinically, detecting anti-KCNJ11 autoantibodies may help explore autoimmune-related diabetes subtypes, though this is less common than autoimmunity against insulin or glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Overall, KCNJ11 antibodies bridge basic research and clinical insights, advancing understanding of KATP channel biology and their role in metabolic diseases.