• Media type: E-Article
  • Title: Novel functions of the anion exchanger AE4 (SLC4A9)
  • Contributor: Vitzthum, Helga; Meyer-Schwesinger, Catherine; Ehmke, Heimo
  • imprint: Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024
  • Published in: Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology
  • Language: English
  • DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02899-5
  • ISSN: 0031-6768; 1432-2013
  • Origination:
  • Footnote:
  • Description: <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>The kidney plays a crucial role in acid-base homeostasis. In the distal nephron, α-intercalated cells contribute to urinary acid (H<jats:sup>+</jats:sup>) secretion and β-intercalated cells accomplish urinary base (HCO<jats:sub>3</jats:sub><jats:sup>-</jats:sup>) secretion. β-intercalated cells regulate the acid base status through modulation of the apical Cl<jats:sup>-</jats:sup>/HCO<jats:sub>3</jats:sub><jats:sup>-</jats:sup> exchanger pendrin (SLC26A4) activity. In this review, we summarize and discuss our current knowledge of the physiological role of the renal transporter AE4 (SLC4A9). The AE4, as cation-dependent Cl<jats:sup>-</jats:sup>/HCO<jats:sub>3</jats:sub><jats:sup>-</jats:sup> exchanger, is exclusively expressed in the basolateral membrane of β-intercalated cells and is essential for the sensing of metabolic acid-base disturbances in mice, but not for renal sodium reabsorption and plasma volume control. Potential intracellular signaling pathways are discussed that might link basolateral acid-base sensing through the AE4 to apical pendrin activity.</jats:p>