Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Introduction to Solid Supported Membrane Based Electrophysiology
Published on: May 11, 2013
Physiology of electrogenic SLC26 paralogues
Michael F Romero1, Min-Hwang Chang, Consuelo Plata
1Physiology & Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106-4970, USA.
Abstract:
SLC26 anion exchangers transport monovalent and divalent anions, with a diversity of anion specificity and stoichiometry. Our microelectrode studies indicate that several SLC26 members are electrogenic. We reported that Slc26a6 functions as a Cl-/formate, Cl-/oxalate, Cl-/OH- and electrogenic Cl-/nHCO3- exchanger. Recently, we have also confirmed that Slc26a7 does not behave as a Cl-/HCO3- exchanger but does function as an electrogenic anion conductance, perhaps a channel. We have also cloned murine Slc26a9, which is strongly expressed in the respiratory tract and stomach. Radioisotope uptakes in Xenopus oocytes indicate that Slc26a9 is a highly selective anion exchanger, transporting Cl- but neither formate, oxalate, nor SO42-. We also utilized electrophysiology to voltage clamp (VC) and/or measure intracellular pH (pHi), Cl- ([Cl-],) and Na+ ([Na+]i), in response to various ion replacements. Cl- removal in HCO3- depolarizes oocytes (to > +60mV), alkalinizes oocytes, and decreases aCl-i. Slc26a9 thus functions as an electrogenic nCl-/HCO3- exchanger, suggesting a role in pulmonary and gastric HCO3- secretion and/or CO2 transport. VC experiments revealed channel-like currents (>10 microA at -60mV and >80 microA at +60mV) mediated by Slc26a9 in the presence and absence of HCO3-. Our experiments and those of others continue to reveal additional characteristics and unique roles for this new class of electrogenic anion transporters.
More Related Videos
11:51Application of Electrophysiology Measurement to Study the Activity of Electro-Neutral Transporters
Published on: February 3, 2018
07:38Functional Characterization of Na+/H+ Exchangers of Intracellular Compartments Using Proton-killing Selection to Express Them at the Plasma Membrane
Published on: March 30, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Secondary Active Transport
Secondary Active Transport
Secondary Active Transport
Active Transport
Primary active transporters, like Na+, K+ and -ATPase, directly utilize ATP to move ions across the membrane. These transporters play significant roles in various physiological processes. For instance, Na+, K+ and -ATPase maintain...
Primary Active Transport
Primary Active Transport