Figure 6. Alternative splicing controls mRNA translation initiation and function of human K_2P10.1 channels.

Transcription of K_2P10.1 DNA (A) generates pre-mRNA (B) which is subjected to alternative splicing, yielding three different mature mRNA transcripts (C) with distinct translation initiation sequences surrounding the first start codon. Alternative ribosomal use of three translation initiation sites on each mature K_2P10.1 mRNA results in differential expression of protein subunit variants that differ in their N termini (D). Arrows indicate functional subunit expression and relative contribution to macroscopic currents. E, individual subunit ratios determine K_2P10.1 K⁺ current amplitudes.