Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2025

Study of the Functions and Activities of Neuronal K-Cl Co-Transporter KCC2 Using Western Blotting
Published on: December 9, 2022
The K-Cl cotransporter-3 in the mammalian kidney
Mohammed Z Ferdaus1, Eric Delpire
1Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
We recently localized a new K-Cl cotransporters-3 (KCC3) transporter to the apical membrane of type-B intercalated cells. This gives us an opportunity to revisit the roles of the KCC3 in kidney and integrate the new findings to our current knowledge of the biology of the bicarbonate secreting cells.
Recent Findings:
Here, we review the basic properties of the K-Cl cotransporter with a particular attention to the responsiveness of the transporter to cell swelling. We summarize what is already known about KCC3b and discuss new information gained from our localizing of KCC3a in type-B intercalated cells. We integrate the physiology of KCC3a with the main function of the type-B cell, that is, bicarbonate secretion through the well characterized apical Cl-/HCO3- exchanger and the basolateral Na-HCO3 cotransporter.
Summary:
Both KCC3b and KCC3a seem to be needed for maintaining cell volume during enhanced inward cotransport of Na-glucose in proximal tubule and Na-HCO3 in intercalated cells. In addition, apical KCC3a might couple to pendrin function to recycle Cl-, particularly in conditions of low salt diet and therefore low Cl- delivery to the distal tubule. This function is critical in alkalemia, and KCC3a function in the pendrin-expressing cells may contribute to the K+ loss which is observed in alkalemia.
More Related Videos
07:47A Proteoliposome-Based Efflux Assay to Determine Single-molecule Properties of Cl- Channels and Transporters
Published on: April 20, 2015
11:27Methods to Study Epithelial Transport Protein Function and Expression in Native Intestine and Caco-2 Cells Grown in 3D
Published on: March 16, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Reabsorption and Secretion in the PCT
Transport mechanisms involving sodium ions (Na+) contribute significantly to solute reabsorption. These mechanisms include symport and antiport processes.
A key example is...
Reabsorption and Secretion in the Loop of Henle
Secondary Active Transport
Membrane Transporters
Transporters are mainly composed of alpha-helices, built from bundles of ten or more helices traversing the plasma membrane. The solute-binding sites are located midway, where some of the helices are broken or distorted, making space for the binding site through...
Reabsorption and Secretion in the DCT and Collecting Duct
The distal...
Transcellular Transport of Solutes