Kcng4, also known as Kv6.4, is a silent member of the superfamily of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels. It expresses in heterotetramers with members of the KCNB (Kv2) family, and is involved in regulating the electrical activity of cells. This gene is of significance in multiple biological processes and disease-related pathways, and genetic models are valuable for studying its functions [1,2,3].

In a transgenic mouse model with targeted deletion of Kcng4 (Kcng4-/-), male sterility occurs due to disturbed spermiogenesis, manifested as a severe reduction in total sperm-cell count, absence of motile spermatozoa, and abnormal sperm morphology. This indicates Kcng4's role in regulating the late stages of spermatogenesis [4]. In zebrafish, different mutations of kcng4b (a zebrafish ortholog) can affect the activity of the Kv channel and cause ear-development defects, such as failure of kinocilia to extend, formation of ectopic otoliths, or failure of otolith development and reduction of kinocilia [2].

In conclusion, Kcng4 is crucial for normal physiological functions in processes like spermatogenesis and ear development. Studies using gene-knockout mouse models and zebrafish models have revealed its significance in these areas, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of related diseases such as male infertility and potential ear-development disorders.