Electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter 4

Electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter 4 (NBCe4) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC4A5 gene. This protein is a member of the sodium bicarbonate cotransporter (NBC) family, which is a part of the solute carrier family. These proteins are involved in the transport of sodium and bicarbonate ions across the plasma membrane of many different cell types.

Function

The NBCe4 protein is an electrogenic transporter, meaning it moves ions across the cell membrane and creates an electrical current. It primarily transports sodium and bicarbonate ions, which are crucial for maintaining the acid-base homeostasis in the body. This protein is predominantly expressed in the kidney, where it plays a significant role in renal acid-base regulation.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the SLC4A5 gene that encodes NBCe4 have been associated with hypertension, a common condition characterized by high blood pressure. Studies have shown that these mutations can affect the function of the NBCe4 protein, leading to an imbalance in sodium and bicarbonate transport and contributing to the development of hypertension.

See also

• Sodium bicarbonate cotransporter
• Solute carrier family
• Acid-base homeostasis
• Hypertension