unc-58 encodes one of 44 C. elegans TWK (two-P domain K+) potassium channel subunits that contain two pore-forming domains and four transmembrane domains; unc-58 was originally defined by gain-of-function (gf) mutations that result in paralysis and a shortened (dumpy) body morphology due to hypercontraction of body wall muscle; unc-58 gf mutations also result in constitutive egg-laying; as loss of UNC-58 function via reversion or RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) results in either no abnormalities or only a weakly uncoordinated phenotype, UNC-58 likely functions redudantly with other TWK channels to regulate locomotion and egg-laying; UNC-58 is expressed in motor neurons and interneurons.
Enables outward rectifier potassium channel activity. Involved in several processes, including muscle contraction; parturition; and regulation of muscle contraction. Predicted to be located in membrane. Expressed in interneuron and motor neurons. Is an ortholog of human KCNK17 (potassium two pore domain channel subfamily K member 17) and KCNK5 (potassium two pore domain channel subfamily K member 5).