Organic osmolyte channels: a comparative view.
Cells respond to osmotic swelling by releasing inorganic ions and small organic molecules (organic osmolytes). In many cell-types, osmotic swelling results in the activation of an outwardly-rectifying anion-selective current. The channel underlying this current has a significant permeability to a number of organic osmolytes and may play a role in the hypoosmotically-activated efflux of these compounds. However, there is also evidence that the volume-regulatory efflux of organic osmolytes involves other pathways which may be selective for neutral osmolytes over anions.
Junankar
P R
PR
Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
Kirk
K
K
D000818:Animals; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000378:metabolism*; D009997:Osmotic Pressure
D009930:Organic Chemicals