Lecture: New light on the role of claudins in the kidney.

ABSTRACT: The physiology of paracellular permeation of ions and solutes in the kidney is pivotally important but poorly understood. Claudins are the key components of the paracellular pathway. Defects in claudin function result in a broad range of renal diseases, including hypomagnesemia, hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis. This review describes recent findings on the physiological function of claudins underlying paracellular transport mechanisms with a focus on renal Ca(2+) handling. We have uncovered a molecular mechanism underlying paracellular Ca(2+) transport in the thick ascending limb of Henle (TAL) that involves the functional interplay of three important claudin genes: claudin-14, -16 and -19, all of which are associated with human kidney diseases with hypercalciuria, nephrolithiasis and bo

SUBMITTER: Hou J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3399704 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan-Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature