Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: ClC3 , ClC4

Title: The ClC-3 Cl- channel in cell volume regulation, proliferation and apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Authors: Yong-Yuan Guan, Guan-Lei Wang, Jia-Guo Zhou

Journal, date & volume: Trends Pharmacol. Sci., 2006 Jun , 27, 290-6

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16697056

Abstract
The volume-regulated Cl(-) current (I(Cl.vol)) is responsible for the transmembrane Cl(-) transport that is involved in cell volume regulatory mechanisms. Although the regulation of cell volume is a fundamental function of healthy cells for maintaining constant size, the molecular genetic identification of I(Cl.vol) is still being debated. Recent studies in vascular smooth muscle support the idea that ClC-3, a member of the voltage-gated ClC Cl(-) channel family, is the molecular component involved in the activation or regulation of I(Cl.vol). Moreover, gene-targeting studies in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and other cell types indicate emerging roles of ClC-3 in cell proliferation and apoptosis. These findings indicate that ClC-3 might be involved in modulating vascular remodeling in hypertension and arteriosclerosis.