WNK1

WNK1 gave its family the name 'with no lysine (K)' because the catalytic lysine sits in beta-strand 2 instead of the canonical position in strand 3. This chloride-sensitive kinase is expressed widely, with a neuron-specific long isoform, and controls ion homeostasis by activating the STE20-family kinases SPAK and OSR1, which in turn phosphorylate the cotransporters NCC, NKCC1 and NKCC2. WNK1 also regulates potassium efflux channels and cell-volume responses. Deletions in WNK1 intron 1 cause pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (Gordon syndrome) with hypertension and hyperkalemia, while mutations affecting the neuron-specific isoform underlie hereditary sensory neuropathy type 2. Recombinant WNK1 supports ion-transport research.