New advances in urea transporter UT-A1 membrane trafficking

Int J Mol Sci. 2013 May 21;14(5):10674-82. doi: 10.3390/ijms140510674.

Abstract

The vasopressin-regulated urea transporter UT-A1, expressed in kidney inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) epithelial cells, plays a critical role in the urinary concentrating mechanisms. As a membrane protein, the function of UT-A1 transport activity relies on its presence in the plasma membrane. Therefore, UT-A1 successfully trafficking to the apical membrane of the polarized epithelial cells is crucial for the regulation of urea transport. This review summarizes the research progress of UT-A1 regulation over the past few years, specifically on the regulation of UT-A1 membrane trafficking by lipid rafts, N-linked glycosylation and a group of accessory proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Glycosylation
  • Humans
  • Kidney Tubules, Collecting / metabolism*
  • Membrane Microdomains / metabolism
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Urea / metabolism
  • Urea Transporters

Substances

  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Urea