NIH R01 · 2024
WNK-SPAK signaling in the Distal Nephron
WNK-SPAK kinases are integral components of a potassium-dependent signaling system, coined the “potassium switch,” that adjusts the activity of the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and shapes the structure of the entire distal nephron to maintain sodium and potassium balance over a wide range of dietary potassium intakes. Low potassium consumption, common in modern diets, presses the pathway to conserve potassium at the expense of increasing sodium absorption and increasing blood pressure. A decrease in plasma K+, leads to a decrease in intracellular Cl- which stimulates the WNK/SPAK pathway, leading to activation of NCC and…
From the public funding record at NIH RePORTER. Describes the funded project, not the reviews below.