G protein-activated inward rectifier potassium channel 2,(GIRK2) plays a key role in γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic), dopaminergic, cholinergic, and glutamatergic synapses. It also regulates neuronal excitability. GIRK2 through G protein-coupled receptor stimulation modulates neuronal circuit activity and heart rate in cardiac cells. Deletion of the GIRK2 gene in mice may lead to an anxiety-like phenotype and a depression-resistant behavior.
