KCNK13 encodes THIK-1, a two-pore domain potassium channel that conducts outward rectifying tonic currents and plays a critical role in microglial function and neuroinflammation 1. The channel is specifically expressed in human microglia compared to other brain cell types and shows elevated expression in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease brains 23. KCNK13 maintains the resting membrane potential required for proper microglial morphology and phagocytosis, and contributes to ATP-triggered potassium efflux that underlies microglial NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and IL-1β release 3. The channel can be activated by arachidonic acid and linoleic acid, while being inhibited by halothane through binding sites within the inner cavity 14. Structurally, THIK-1 contains a distinctive tyrosine gate in the M4 transmembrane domain and a modulatory lipid-binding pocket that influences channel activity 1. Beyond the brain, KCNK13 is also expressed in kidney proximal tubules, thick ascending limbs, and collecting ducts, suggesting additional physiological roles 5. The channel's role in neuroinflammation makes it an attractive therapeutic target, with selective inhibitors like CVN293 and C101248 showing promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases by blocking microglial inflammasome activation 63.