Regulation of WNK1 expression by miR-192 and aldosterone

WNK1 and WNK4 encode two members of the WNK serine-threonine kinase subfamily. Greater WNK1 expression associates with higher BP. A combination of promoters, enhancers, repressors, and insulators regulate WNK1 expression, but whether microRNAs also modulate WNK1 expression is unknown. Here, computational analysis revealed the presence of a target sequence for miR-192 and miR-215 at the same site in the 3' untranslated region of the ubiquitous L- and the kidney-specific KS-WNK1. We functionally validated this target sequence by transient transfection and reporter assays. Although we observed expression of both miRs along the distal nephron, only miR-192 regulated endogenous WNK1 ex vivo. Furthermore, a potassium load, sodium depletion, and aldosterone infusion each significantly reduced miR-192 expression in the kidney. Taken together, these results suggest a miR-driven mechanism of gene regulation by aldosterone and a role for miR-192 in the regulation of sodium and potassium balance in the kidney.