NYMC Faculty Publications
Inwardly Rectifying K Channels 4.1 and 5.1 (Kir4.1/Kir5.1) in the Renal Distal Nephron
Author Type(s)
Faculty
DOI
10.1152/ajpcell.00096.2022
Journal Title
American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology
First Page
C277
Last Page
C288
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2022
Department
Pharmacology
Abstract
The inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir) 4.1 (encoded by ) interacts with Kir5.1 (encoded by ) to form a major basolateral K channel in the renal distal convoluted tubule (DCT), connecting tubule (CNT), and the cortical collecting duct (CCD). Kir4.1/Kir5.1 heterotetramer plays an important role in regulating Na and K transport in the DCT, CNT, and CCD. A recent development in the field has firmly established the role of Kir4.1/Kir5.1 heterotetramer of the DCT in the regulation of thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC). Changes in Kir4.1/Kir5.1 activity of the DCT are an essential step for the regulation of NCC expression/activity induced by dietary K and Na intakes and play a role in modulating NCC by type 2 angiotensin II receptor (AT2R), bradykinin type II receptor (BK2R), and β-adrenergic receptor. Since NCC activity determines the Na delivery rate to the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron (ASDN), a distal nephron segment from late DCT to CCD, Kir4.1/Kir5.1 activity plays a critical role not only in the regulation of renal Na absorption but also in modulating renal K excretion and maintaining K homeostasis. Thus, Kir4.1/Kir5.1 activity serves as an important component of renal K sensing mechanism. The main focus of this review is to provide an overview regarding the role of Kir4.1 and Kir5.1 of the DCT and CCD in the regulation of renal K excretion and Na absorption.
Recommended Citation
Wang, W., & Lin, D. (2022). Inwardly Rectifying K Channels 4.1 and 5.1 (Kir4.1/Kir5.1) in the Renal Distal Nephron. American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology, 323 (2), C277-C288. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00096.2022