In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, reactive astrocytes are consistently being identified with hypertrophied morphology and reduced expression of essential ion and neurotransmitter channels and receptors such as ATP-sensitive inward rectifier potassium channel 10 (Kir4.1), glial glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1), and increased expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The gene discussed is KCNJ10; the disease is neurodegenerative disease.