May be responsible for potassium buffering action of glial cells in the brain. 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 and cesium (By similarity). In the kidney, together with KCNJ16, mediates basolateral K(+) recycling in distal tubules; this process is critical for Na(+) reabsorption at the tubules (By similarity). Heterodimer with Kir5.1/KCNJ16; this interaction is required for KCNJ16 localization to the basolateral membrane in kidney cells. Interacts with MAGI1, alone and possibly as a heterodimer with KCNJ16; this interaction may facilitate KCNJ10/KCNJ16 potassium channel expression at the basolateral membrane in kidney cells (By similarity). Interacts with PATJ (PubMed:9647694). In kidney distal convoluted tubules, located in the basolateral membrane where it colocalizes with KCNJ16. Widely expressed in adult brain, including in the neocortex, the stratum pyrimadale of the hippocampus and the piriform cortex. Expressed by cultured astrocytes and also by cocultured cortical neurons (at protein level). Expressed in the distal segment of the nephron (PubMed:33811157). Belongs to the inward rectifier-type potassium channel (TC 1.A.2.1) family. KCNJ10 subfamily.