GRIK4

GRIK4 (glutamate receptor, ionotropic, kainate 4) is a kainate receptor subtype belonging to the family of ligand-gated ion channels which is encoded by the GRIK4 gene.

Function

This gene encodes a protein that belongs to the glutamate-gated ionic channel family. Glutamate functions as the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system through activation of ligand-gated ion channels and G protein-coupled membrane receptors. The protein encoded by this gene forms functional heteromeric kainate-preferring ionic channels with the subunits encoded by related gene family members.

Clinical significance

A single nucleotide polymorphism (rs1954787) in the GRIK4 gene has shown a treatment-response-association with antidepressant treatment.

Variation in GRIK4 have been associated with both increased and decreased risk of bipolar disorder. A possible mechanism for this observation is that the sequence variation influences secondary structures in the 3' UTR.

Interfering with GRIK4/KA1 function with a specific anti-KA1 antibody protects against kainate-induced neuronal cell death.