上皮細胞におけるCl^-チャネルとCLCAの機能

概要

論文の詳細を見る
Chloride channels play a crucial role in the regulation of electrolyte transport, cell volume, membrane excitability, and pH in transport vesicles. Some genetic diseases have been found to be caused by dysfunction of Cl^- channels. Studies on cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) Cl^- channels preceded other Cl^- channel studies that focused on epithelial cells. A new Cl^- channel candidate that is activated by an increased intracellular Ca^<2+> concentration has recently been identified. Presumably, CLCA is one of the regulatory proteins of these channels. Other functions besides those involved in ion and water transport in salivary gland tissues, such as regulation of cell adhesion, have also been reported for isoforms of CLCA. These studies will lead to investigation of the mechanism underlying Cl^- transport in the oral cavity, to a search for compounds that will improve exocrine function, and to the discovery of novel physiological functions of these proteins.
2010-03-31