By moving chloride into epithelial cells, the Na-K-Cl cotransporter SLC12A2 aids transcellular movement of chloride across both secretory and absorptive epithelia (Payne et al., 1995 [PubMed 7629105]). See also SLC12A1 (MIM 600839) and SLC12A3 (MIM 600968).[supplied by OMIM]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.
NKCC cotransporters are membrane-bound channels that play a prominent role in a variety of epithelial absorptive and secretory processes and a direct role in cell volume regulation. There are two NKCC isoforms; NKCC1 and NKCC2. NKCC1 is found on almost all cells types and, importantly, is located on the basolateral membrane of secretory epithelia. In contrast NKCC2 is found exclusively in the kidney, specifically on the apical membrane of absorptive epithelia. The NKCC is distinguished from all other transporters by the fact that it transports Na+, K+ and Cl- stoichiometrically by means of a tightly coupled mechanism that can be blocked by loop diuretics.