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The SLC12 family of electroneutral cation-coupled chloride cotransporters

Juan Pablo Arroyo1, Kristopher T Kahle, Gerardo Gamba

  • 1Molecular Physiology Unit, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, and Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico.

Molecular Aspects of Medicine
|March 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The SLC12 family, encoding electroneutral cation-coupled chloride cotransporters, is vital for cell volume, neuronal chloride, and blood pressure. These cotransporters are implicated in inherited diseases and complex conditions like hypertension and epilepsy.

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The SLC12 family encodes electroneutral cation-coupled chloride cotransporters.
  • These cotransporters are essential for critical physiological processes.
  • Key processes include cell volume regulation, intraneuronal chloride concentration, ion transport, and blood pressure control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the physiological significance of the SLC12 family.
  • To underscore their role in human health and disease.
  • To provide an overview of their involvement in inherited and complex polygenic diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on SLC12 cotransporters.
  • Analysis of the known physiological roles of SLC12 family members.
  • Examination of genetic links between SLC12 genes and human diseases.

Main Results:

  • SLC12 cotransporters are crucial for maintaining cellular and systemic homeostasis.
  • Dysfunction of SLC12 transporters is linked to inherited disorders like Gitelman, Bartter, and Andermann syndromes.
  • These transporters are potential contributors to complex diseases including hypertension, epilepsy, osteoporosis, and cancer.

Conclusions:

  • The SLC12 family represents a critical group of ion transporters with broad physiological relevance.
  • Understanding SLC12 cotransporter function is essential for comprehending various diseases.
  • Targeting SLC12 transporters holds therapeutic potential for managing diverse medical conditions.

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