AUTHOR=Fahlke Christoph , Fischer Martin TITLE=Physiology and Pathophysiology of ClC-K/barttin Channels JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology VOLUME=1 YEAR=2010 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2010.00155 DOI=10.3389/fphys.2010.00155 ISSN=1664-042X ABSTRACT=
ClC-K channels form a subgroup of anion channels within the ClC family of anion transport proteins. They are expressed predominantly in the kidney and in the inner ear, and are necessary for NaCl resorption in the loop of Henle and for K+ secretion by the stria vascularis. Subcellular distribution as well as the function of these channels are tightly regulated by an accessory subunit, barttin. Barttin improves the stability of ClC-K channel protein, stimulates the exit from the endoplasmic reticulum and insertion into the plasma membrane and changes its function by modifying voltage-dependent gating processes. The importance of ClC-K/barttin channels is highlighted by several genetic diseases. Dysfunctions of ClC-K channels result in Bartter syndrome, an inherited human condition characterized by impaired urinary concentration. Mutations in the gene encoding barttin,