hERG

The human Ether-á-go-go Related Gene, or hERG, is also known as K_V11.1, or KCNH2. The hERG potassium (K⁺) channel forms the major portion of the delayed rectifier class of ion channel proteins that conducts K⁺ ions out of the muscle cells of the heart. The current generated by hERG channels is critical for correctly timing the return to the resting state (repolarization) of the cell membrane during the cardiac action potential. Mutations in the KCNH2 gene encoding hERG are involved in long (LQT2) and short QT syndromes.