Renal Tubule Sodium Transporter Abundance Profiling in Rat Kidney

Based on extensive physiological study of sodium transport mechanisms along the renal tubule, complementary DNAs for all of the major transporters and channels responsible for renal tubular sodium reabsorption have been cloned over the past decade. There is now a comprehensive set of cDNA and antibody probes that can be used to investigate physiological mechanisms on a molecular level. Using rabbit polyclonal antibodies to all of the major renal Na transport proteins, we have developed profiling methods allowing comprehensive, integrated analysis of sodium transporter protein abundance changes along the renal tubule in response to physiological and pathophysiological perturbations. Here, we review some of our recent findings with this approach, focusing on renal responses to aldosterone and to variations in NaCl intake.