Moreover, loss of Kir5.1 (Kcnj16 gene) resulted in an audiogenic seizure phenotype with increased mortality in a rat model of salt-sensitive hypertension and chronic kidney disease (Manis et al., 2021), probably by a mechanism involving disruption of heteromeric Kir4.1/5.1 channels since Kir5.1 does not form functional homomeric channels (Pessia et al., 1996). Here, KCNJ16 is linked to chronic kidney disease.