This potassium channel may be involved in the regulation of insulin secretion by glucose and/or neurotransmitters acting through G-protein-coupled receptors. 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. Associates with GIRK1 or GIRK4 to form a G-protein-activated heteromultimer pore-forming unit. The resulting inward current is much larger. Interacts (via PDZ-binding motif) with SNX27 (via PDZ domain); the interaction is required when endocytosed to prevent degradation in lysosomes and promote recycling to the plasma membrane (By similarity). Most abundant in cerebellum, and to a lesser degree in islets and exocrine pancreas. 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. KCNJ6 subfamily.