The K_V1.7 voltage-gated K⁺ channel, is a member of the Shaker family of K⁺ channels that today includes eight members (K_V1.1-K_V1.8). K_V1.7 possesses the signature structure of the voltage-dependent K⁺ channels: six membrane-spanning domains and intracellular N- and C-termini. As with other channels of the Shaker subfamily, K_V1.7 can readily form heteromers with other members of the subfamily to compose the tetramer that forms the functional channel.

K_V1.7 mRNA was found to be expressed mainly in the heart with somewhat lower levels in pancreas and skeletal muscle.

The biophysical and pharmacological properties of the K_V1.7 channel closely resembles that of the ultra-rapidly activating delayed rectifier (I_Kur) in cardiac tissue. This current plays a central role in cardiac atrial repolarization that was largely believed to correspond to the activity of the K_V1.5 channel. This raises the possibility that the I_Kur current is the result of a heteromeric K_V1.5/K_V1.7 channel.