The bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC), the ignored cousin of ASICs and ENaC.

ABSTRACT: The DEG/ENaC gene family of ion channels is characterized by a high degree of structural similarity and an equally high degree of diversity concerning the physiological function. In humans and rodents, the DEG/ENaC family comprises 2 main subgroups: the subunits of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) and the subunits of the acid sensing ion channels (ASICs). The bile acid-sensitive channel (BASIC), previously known as BLINaC or INaC, represents a third subgroup within the DEG/ENaC family. Although BASIC was identified more than a decade ago, very little is known about its physiological function. Recent progress in the characterization of this neglected member of the DEG/ENaC family, which is summarized in this focused review, includes the discovery of surprising species differences, its ph

SUBMITTER: Wiemuth D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4048340 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature