Mouse strain-specific coding polymorphism in the Slc4a2/Ae2 gene encodes Ae2c2 variants differing in isoform-specific dominant negative activity

Mouse models of SLC4-linked disorders of HCO3--transporter dysfunction

The SLC4 family Cl^-/[Formula: see text] cotransporters (NBCe1, NBCe2, NBCn1, and NBCn2) contribute to a variety of vital physiological processes including pH regulation and epithelial fluid secretion. Accordingly, their dysfunction can have devastating effects. Disorders such as epilepsy, hemolytic anemia, glaucoma, hearing loss, osteopetrosis, and renal tubular acidosis are all genetically linked to SLC4-family gene loci. This review summarizes how studies of Slc4-modified mice have enhanced our understanding of the etiology of SLC4-linked pathologies and the interpretation of genetic linkage studies. The review also surveys the novel disease signs exhibited by Slc4-modified mice which could either be considered to presage their description in humans, or to highlight interspecific differences. Finally, novel Slc4-modified mouse models are proposed, the study of which may further our understanding of the basis and treatment of SLC4-linked disorders of [Formula: see text]-transporter dysfunction.

Ion transporter NKCC1, modulator of neurogenesis in murine olfactory neurons

Olfaction is one of the most crucial senses for vertebrates regarding foraging and social behavior. Therefore, it is of particular interest to investigate the sense of smell, its function on a molecular level, the signaling proteins involved in the process and the mechanism of required ion transport. In recent years, the precise role of the ion transporter NKCC1 in olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) chloride accumulation has been a controversial subject. NKCC1 is expressed in OSNs and is involved in chloride accumulation of dissociated neurons, but it had not been shown to play a role in mouse odorant sensation. Here, we present electro-olfactogram recordings (EOG) demonstrating that NKCC1-deficient mice exhibit significant defects in perception of a complex odorant mixture (Henkel100) in both air-phase and submerged approaches. Using next generation sequencing (NGS) and RT-PCR experiments of NKCC1-deficient and wild type mouse transcriptomes, we confirmed the absence of a highly expressed ion transporter that could compensate for NKCC1. Additional histological investigations demonstrated a reduced number of cells in the olfactory epithelium (OE), resulting in a thinner neuronal layer. Therefore, we conclude that NKCC1 is an important transporter involved in chloride ion accumulation in the olfactory epithelium, but it is also involved in OSN neurogenesis.