L-WNK1 is required for BK channel activation in intercalated cells

We examined the role of IC L-WNK1 expression in enhancing BK channel activity in response to a high K+ diet. Mice with an IC-selective deletion of L-WNK1 (IC-L-WNK1-KO) and littermate controls were placed on a high K+ (5% K+ as KCl) diet for 10 or more days. IC-L-WNK1-KO mice exhibited reduced IC apical/subapical BK α subunit expression and BK channel-dependent whole-cell currents compared to controls. Six-hour urinary K+ excretion in response a saline load was similar in IC-L-WNK1-KO mice and controls. The observations that IC-L-WNK1-KO mice on a high K+ diet have higher blood [K+] and reduced IC BK channel activity are consistent with impaired urinary K+ secretion, demonstrating that IC L-WNK1 has a role in the renal adaptation to a high K+ diet.PMID:34229479 | DOI:10.1152/ajprenal.00472.2020

Source: Am J Physiol Renal P... - July 7, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Evan C Ray Rolando Carrisoza-Gayt án Mohammad M Al-Bataineh Allison L Marciszyn Lubika J Nkashama Jingxin Chen Aaliyah Winfrey Shawn E Griffiths Tracey Lam Daniel Flores Peng Wu Wen-Hui Wang Chou-Long Huang Arohan R Subramanya Thomas R Kleyman Lisa M Sat Source Type: research