The evolutionary path of the epithelial sodium channel δ-subunit in Cetartiodactyla points to a role in sodium sensing.

ABSTRACT: The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays a key role in osmoregulation in tetrapod vertebrates and is a candidate receptor for salt taste sensation. There are four ENaC subunits (α, β, γ, δ) which form αβγ- or δβγ ENaCs. While αβγ-ENaC is a 'maintenance protein' controlling sodium and potassium homeostasis, δβγ-ENaC might represent a 'stress protein' monitoring high sodium concentrations. The δ-subunit emerged with water-to-land transition of tetrapod vertebrate ancestors. We investigated the evolutionary path of ENaC-coding genes in Cetartiodactyla, a group comprising even-toed ungulates and the cetaceans (whales/dolphins) which transitioned from terrestrial to marine environments in the Eocene. The genes SCNN1A (α-ENaC), SCNN1B (β-ENaC) and SCNN1G (γ-ENaC) are intac

SUBMITTER: Zahnow F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11601428 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature