Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir2.3

Title: The bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC), the neglected cousin of ASICs and ENaC.

Authors: Dominik Wiemuth, Marc Assmann, Stefan Gründer

Journal, date & volume: Channels (Austin), 2013 Dec 23 , 8,

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24365967

Abstract
The DEG/ENaC gene family of ion channels is characterized by a high degree of structural similarity and an equally high degree of diversity concerning the physiological function. In humans and rodents, the DEG/ENaC family comprises 2 main subgroups: the subunits of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) and the subunits of the acid sensing ion channels (ASICs). The bile acid-sensitive channel (BASIC), previously known as BLINaC or INaC, represents a third subgroup within the DEG/ENaC family. Although BASIC was identified more than a decade ago, very little is known about its physiological function. Recent progress in the characterization of this neglected member of the DEG/ENaC family, which is summarized in this focused review, includes the discovery of surprising species differences, its pharmacological characterization, and the identification of bile acids as putative natural activators.