# Molecular mechanism of the NKCC transporter

> **NIH NIH F30** · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $10,804

## Abstract

Abstract
The sodium-potassium-chloride-cotransporter (NKCC) family of transporters are critical to the reabsorption of
ions in the kidney and other parts of the body. As a member of the larger solute carrier 12 (SLC12A) family,
these transporters move sodium, potassium, and chloride across the cell membrane in order to maintain ionic
homeostasis and regulate blood pressure. As a result of their important roles in physiology, they are also
among the most widely targeted transporters in medicine. Drugs such as the loop diuretics and thiazide
diuretics have been in use for decades, and are fundamental medications to treating conditions such as
edema, cirrhosis, heart failure, and hypertension. Yet despite their widespread use, little is known about the
molecular mechanism by which they operate. This project will address that gap in knowledge, by studying the
NKCC group of transporters from a fundamental, basic science perspective. An in vitro functional assay will be
developed in order to study the transport mechanism of NKCC in a well-defined system. Key components
responsible for ion recognition and binding, as well as inhibitor binding sites will be determined using
mutagenesis coupled with functional assays. The above knowledge will be combined with structural
characterizations about NKCC to understand its function. As a whole, this study will reveal the fundamental
mechanisms about how NKCC transporters operate and how they are targeted. This information will lead to
better pharmaceuticals, with fewer side effects.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9987639
- **Project number:** 5F30DK114983-04
- **Recipient organization:** STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Thomas Chew
- **Activity code:** F30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $10,804
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-15 → 2020-12-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9987639

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9987639, Molecular mechanism of the NKCC transporter (5F30DK114983-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9987639. Licensed CC0.

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