Potassium-chloride transporter member 5 (aka: KCC2 and SLC12A5) is a neuron-specific chloride potassium symporter responsible for establishing the chloride ion gradient in neurons through the maintenance of low intracellular chloride concentrations.[5] It is a critical mediator of synaptic inhibition, cellular protection against excitotoxicity[6][7] and may also act as a modulator of neuroplasticity.[8][9][10][11] Potassium-chloride transporter member 5 is also known by the names: KCC2 (potassium chloride cotransporter 2) for its ionic substrates, and SLC12A5 for its genetic origin from the SLC12A5 gene in humans.[5]
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Animals with reduced expression of this transporter exhibit severe motor deficits, epileptiform activity, and spasticity.[8] KCC2 knockout animals, in which KCC2 is completely absent, die postnatally due to respiratory failure.[8]