Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels make it easier for K⁺ to enter into a cell and subsequently regulate cellular biological functions. Kir5.1 (encoded by KCNJ16) alone can form a homotetramer and can form heterotetramers with Kir4.1 (encoded by KCNJ10) or Kir4.2 (encoded by KCNJ15). In most cases, homomeric Kir5.1 is non-functional, while heteromeric Kir5.1 on the cell membrane contributes to the inward flow of K⁺ ions, which can be regulated by intracellular pH and a variety of signaling mechanisms. In the form of a heterotetramer, Kir5.1 regulates Kir4.1/4.2 activity and is involved in the maintenance of nephron function. Actually, homomeric Kir5.1 may also play a very important role in diseases, including in the ventilatory response to hypoxia and hypercapnia, hearing impairment, cardiovascular disease and cancer. With an increase in the number of studies into the roles of Kir channels, researchers are paying more attention to the pathophysiological functions of Kir5.1. This minireview provides an overview regarding these Kir5.1 roles.

向内整流的钾（Kir）通道使K ⁺更容易进入细胞并随后调节细胞的生物学功能。单独的Kir5.1（由KCNJ16编码）可以形成同四聚体，并且可以与Kir4.1（由KCNJ10编码）或Kir4.2（由KCNJ15编码）形成异四聚体。在大多数情况下，同型Kir5.1是无功能的，而细胞膜上的异型Kir5.1则有助于K ⁺的向内流动。离子，可以通过细胞内pH值和多种信号传导机制来调节。Kir5.1以异四聚体的形式调节Kir4.1 / 4.2活性，并参与肾单位功能的维持。实际上，同型Kir5.1在疾病中也可能起非常重要的作用，包括在对缺氧和高碳酸血症的通气反应，听力障碍，心血管疾病和癌症中。随着对Kir通道作用的研究数量增加，研究人员越来越关注Kir5.1的病理生理功能。此小型审查提供了有关这些Kir5.1角色的概述。