This receptor is controlled by G proteins. Inward rectifier potassium channels are characterized by a greater tendency to allow potassium to flow into the cell rather than out of it. Their voltage dependence is regulated by the concentration of extracellular potassium; as external potassium is raised, the voltage range of the channel opening shifts to more positive voltages. The inward rectification is mainly due to the blockage of outward current by internal magnesium. Can be blocked by extracellular barium. Can form cardiac and smooth muscle-type KATP channels with ABCC9. KCNJ11 forms the channel pore while ABCC9 is required for activation and regulation (By similarity). Interacts with ABCC8/SUR. Interacts with ABCC9/SUR2 (By similarity). Phosphorylation by MAPK1 results in changes in channel gating that destabilize the closed states and reduce the ATP sensitivity. Belongs to the inward rectifier-type potassium channel (TC 1.A.2.1) family. KCNJ11 subfamily.