Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: ClC4

Title: CLC chloride channels and transporters.

Authors: Thomas J Jentsch, Ioana Neagoe, Olaf Scheel

Journal, date & volume: Curr. Opin. Neurobiol., 2005 Jun , 15, 319-25

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15913981

Abstract
CLC proteins are found in cells from prokaryotes to mammals and perform functions in plasma membranes and intracellular vesicles. Several genetic human diseases and mouse models underscore their broad physiological functions in mammals. These functions range from the control of excitability to transepithelial transport, endocytotic trafficking and acidification of synaptic vesicles. The recent crystallization of bacterial CLC proteins gave surprising insights into CLC Cl(-)-channel permeation and gating and provides an excellent basis for structure-function studies. Surprisingly, the CLC from Escherichia coli functions as a Cl-/H+ exchanger, thus demonstrating the thin line separating transporters and channels.