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Analysis and expression pattern of slc12a genes
Author(s) -
Di Fulvio Mauricio
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.694.2
Subject(s) - gene isoform , alternative splicing , splice , biology , gene , transporter , solute carrier family , hek 293 cells , gene family , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology , gene expression
Mammalian cells exhibit a non‐equilibrium distribution of Cl − across their plasma membranes. This distribution plays a key role in cell volume regulation and growth, salt transport, K + scavenging, hormone secretion and GABA signaling. The [Cl − ] i results from the functional balance between Cl − transporters and channels expressed in the cellˈs plasma membrane. The family of solute carriers slc12a is the most relevant one involved in the regulation of the [Cl − ] i . This family includes Na + K + 2Cl − , Na + Cl − and K + Cl − co‐transporters: NKCCs, NCCs and KCCs, respectively. Two NKCC, one NCC and four KCC genes encode for NKCC1, NKCC2, NCC and KCC1‐4 isoforms. NKCC2 and NCC are considered expressed exclusively in the kidney, whereas NKCC1 is ubiquitously distributed. Similarly, KCC2 is considered a neuron‐specific isoform whilst KCC1, 3 and 4 appear to have less restricted expression patterns. To determine molecular identity, classify known slc12a members and establish patterns of expression we searched and analyzed nucleotide/protein sequences data posted in GenBank, EST and GEO databases. We found that at least two NKCC1 splice variants exist in humans, but different NKCC1s exist in rodents. Some NKCC2 variants were cloned from human kidneys, but were not found in rodents or vice versa . Moreover, at least ten KCC3 splice variants have been cloned from human tissues whilst rodents express a few ones. Further, NKCC2 or NCC mRNAs are detected outside the kidney. Therefore, splice variants of slc12a members may be species‐specific and/or non‐restricted to particular tissues. The molecular classification of slc12a variants and their pattern of expression will aid in the interpretation/extrapolation of functional/pharmacological data. This work has been supported by the American Diabetes Association (Grant JF‐1001730 to MDiF).