Kir6.2 mutations associated with neonatal diabetes reduce expression of ATP-sensitive K+ channels: implications in disease mechanism and sulfonylurea therapy.

Heterozygous missense mutations in the pore-forming subunit Kir6.2 of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (K(ATP) channels) have recently been shown to cause permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus (PNDM). Functional studies demonstrated that PNDM mutations reduce K(ATP) channel sensitivity to ATP inhibition, resulting in gain of channel function.