Potassium Inwardly Rectifying Channel Subfamily J, Member 1 (KCNJ1)

ROMK is an acronym for the Renal Outer Medullary Potassium channel. This is an ATP-dependent potassium channel (K_ir1.1) that transports potassium out of cells. It plays an important role in potassium recycling in the thick ascending limb (TAL) and potassium secretion in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) of the nephron.

Potassium channels are present in most mammalian cells, where they participate in a wide range of physiologic responses. The protein encoded by this gene is an integral membrane protein and inward-rectifier type potassium channel. It is activated by internal ATP and probably plays an important role in potassium homeostasis. The encoded protein has a greater tendency to allow potassium to flow into a cell rather than out of a cell.