Pathophysiology of the K+-Cl- Cotransporters. Paths to Discovery and Overview

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2010

Find in a Library

Catalog Record

Abstract

This chapter defines the emergence of K+-Cl cotransport as a functional transport entity. Secondary active transport, where the flux of one of the transported species moving downhill provides the driving force for movement of another ion or non-electrolyte, is a common membrane transport mechanism. Ionic species providing the driving force include Na+, H+ and K+. Coupled substrates include different sugars, amino acids and other organic molecules translocated by discrete families of transporters. The family of cation-chloride cotransporters (CCCs) represents a series of membrane proteins, the SLC12 superfamily, capable of the electroneutral coupled transport of Cl with Na+ (NCC), K+ (KCCs) or both Na+ and K+ (NKCCs). These transporters were recognized and studied in RBCs and epithelia, but more recent work has broadened their known distribution to include neuronal tissue, endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, and other cell types, including certain neoplasias. Molecular biology has also revealed a variety of CCC isoforms, with differing tissue distribution and physiological functions.

DOI

10.1016/B978-0-12-374373-2.00003-0

Catalog Record

Share

COinS