Distinct cell types along thick ascending limb express pathways for monovalent and divalent cation transport.

ABSTRACT: Kidney thick ascending limb (TAL) cells reabsorb sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium and contribute to urinary concentration. These cells are typically viewed as a single type that recycles potassium across the apical membrane and generates a lumen-positive transepithelial voltage driving calcium and magnesium reabsorption, though variability in potassium channel expression has been reported. Additionally, recent transcriptomic analyses suggest that different cell types exist along this segment, but classifications have varied and have not led to a new consensus model. We used immunolocalization, electrophysiology, and enriched single-nucleus RNA-Seq to identify TAL cell types in rats, mice, and humans. We identified 3 major TAL cell types defined by expression of potassium channels

SUBMITTER: Demirci H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12306624 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature