The M channel is a slowly activating and deactivating potassium channel that plays a critical role in the regulation of neuronal excitability. The M channel is formed by the association of the protein encoded by this gene and one of two related proteins encoded by the KCNQ2 and KCNQ5 genes, both integral membrane proteins.
In the context of neuronal function, the M channel plays a key role in regulating excitability through its slow activation and deactivation. This channel is formed by the association of the protein encoded by this gene with one of two related proteins, KCNQ2 or KCNQ5, both of which are integral membrane proteins.