Ion channel that contributes to passive transmembrane potassium transport . Reversibly converts between a voltage-insensitive potassium leak channel and a voltage-dependent outward rectifying potassium channel in a phosphorylation-dependent manner . In astrocytes, forms mostly heterodimeric potassium channels with KCNK1, with only a minor proportion of functional channels containing homodimeric KCNK2. In astrocytes, the heterodimer formed by KCNK1 and KCNK2 is required for rapid glutamate release in response to activation of G-protein coupled receptors, such as F2R and CNR1 (By similarity).
Does not display channel activity but reduces the channel activity of isoform 1 and isoform 2 and reduces cell surface expression of isoform 2.
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane
Subcellular locations: Endoplasmic reticulum membrane
Isoform 4 is detected in kidney, adrenal gland and brain where it is preferentially expressed in the amygdala but not found in thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus or substantia nigra.