WNK4 regulates activity of the epithelial Na + channel in vitro and in vivo
WNK4 regulates activity of the epithelial Na + channel in vitro and in vivo
Homeostasis of intravascular volume, Na + , Cl − , and K + is interdependent and determined by the coordinated activities of structurally diverse mediators in the distal nephron and the distal colon. The behavior of these flux pathways is regulated by the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system; however, the mechanisms that allow independent modulation of individual elements have been obscure. Previous work has shown that mutations in WNK4 cause pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII), a disease featuring hypertension with hyperkalemia, due to altered activity of specific Na-Cl cotransporters, K + channels, and paracellular Cl − flux mediators of the distal nephron. By coexpression studies in Xenopus oocytes, we now demonstrate that WNK4 also inhibits the epithelial Na + channel (ENaC), the major mediator of aldosterone-sensitive Na + (re)absorption, via a mechanism that is independent of WNK4's kinase activity. This inhibition requires intact C termini in ENaC β- and γ-subunits, which contain PY motifs used to target ENaC for clearance from the plasma membrane. Importantly, PHAII-causing mutations eliminate WNK4's inhibition of ENaC, thereby paralleling other effects of PHAII to increase sodium balance. The relevance of these findings in vivo was studied in mice harboring PHAII-mutant WNK4. The colonic epithelium of these mice demonstrates markedly increased amiloride-sensitive Na + flux compared with wild-type littermates. These studies identify ENaC as a previously unrecognized downstream target of WNK4 and demonstrate a functional role for WNK4 in the regulation of colonic Na + absorption. These findings support a key role for WNK4 in coordinating the activities of diverse flux pathways to achieve integrated fluid and electrolyte homeostasis.
- Yale University United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute United States
Colon, Pseudohypoaldosteronism, Mice, Transgenic, Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases, Rats, Renin-Angiotensin System, Mice, Xenopus laevis, Hypertension, Mutation, Oocytes, Animals, Hyperkalemia, Epithelial Sodium Channels, Aldosterone
Colon, Pseudohypoaldosteronism, Mice, Transgenic, Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases, Rats, Renin-Angiotensin System, Mice, Xenopus laevis, Hypertension, Mutation, Oocytes, Animals, Hyperkalemia, Epithelial Sodium Channels, Aldosterone
9 Research products, page 1 of 1
- 2017IsRelatedTo
- 2017IsRelatedTo
- 2017IsRelatedTo
- 2017IsRelatedTo
- 2017IsRelatedTo
- 2017IsRelatedTo
- 2017IsRelatedTo
- 2017IsRelatedTo
- 2017IsRelatedTo
citations This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).122 popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.Top 10% influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).Top 10% impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.Top 1%
