WNK3

WNK3 is an epithelially expressed chloride-sensitive kinase of the WNK family, prominent in the kidney distal tubule as well as in gastrointestinal and other ion-transporting epithelia. It modulates a broad panel of transport proteins, including the thiazide-sensitive NCC, the sodium-chloride cotransporter NKCC2, the potassium channel ROMK, and the calcium channel TRPV5, largely through the SPAK/OSR1 signaling module and through trafficking control. WNK3 thereby tunes sodium, potassium and calcium handling in concert with WNK1 and WNK4. Missense mutations in the WNK3 kinase domain cause pseudohypoaldosteronism type II with hypertension and hyperkalemia. Recombinant WNK3 is a tool for renal transport and blood-pressure studies.