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. KCNJ16 may be involved in the regulation of fluid and pH balance. In the kidney, together with KCNJ10, mediates basolateral K(+) recycling in distal tubules; this process is critical for Na(+) reabsorption at the tubules (PubMed:24561201). Heterodimer with Kir4.1/KCNJ10; this interaction is required for KCNJ16 localization to the basolateral membrane in kidney cells. As a heterodimer with KCNJ10, may interact with MAGI1; this interaction may facilitate KCNJ10/KCNJ16 potassium channel expression at the basolateral membrane in kidney cells (PubMed:24561201). May form heterodimers with Kir2.1/KCNJ2 (Probable). In kidney distal convoluted tubules, located in the basolateral membrane in the presence of KCNJ10. Widely expressed, with highest levels in adult and fetal kidney (at protein level). In the kidney, expressed in the proximal and distal convoluted tubules, but not in glomeruli nor collecting ducts. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the inward rectifier-type potassium channel (TC 1.A.2.1) family. KCNJ16 subfamily.