Renal outer-medullary potassium channel

The KCNJ1 gene encoding an important renal potassium channel causes, when mutated, autosomal recessive antenatal Bartter syndrome type 2.

Epidemiology

Although exact data are not available, mutation in this gene are thought to occur 1 in 50,000-100,000 newborn.

Expression

The gene is expressed in epithelial cells of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. The mature protein, a potassium channel, resides in the apical membrane.

Phenotype

As the potassium channel (ROMK) and the sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter (NKCC2) form a functional unit, dysfuntion of either component causes the same clinical picture of autosomal recessive antenatal Bartter syndrome.

Gene Regulation

This inwardly rectifying potassium channel forms a functional unit with the sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter. The cotransporter moves sodium and potassium, one of each ion, and two chloride from lumen into cell. The excess of sodium and chroride is removed basolateral transpoters, the sodium-potassium ATPase and a chloride channel. The excess potassium however is recycled back into the lumen by an inwardly rectifying potassium channel. Hence this channel keeps the system of net sodium chlorid reabsorption running.

WNK1 and WNK2, the genes involved in pseudohypoaldosteronism type 2, interact with intersectin-1 (ITSN1), an endocytic scaffold protein, thereby stimulating the potassium channel (ROMK) endocytosis. Hence, These genes play an important role in regulating channel function.[Error: Macro 'ref' doesn't exist]

Genetests:

Related Diseases:

Antenatal Bartter syndrome type 2
	KCNJ1