L-WNK1 is required for BK channel activation in intercalated cells

BK channels expressed in intercalated cells (ICs) in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron (ASDN) mediate flow-induced K+ secretion. In the ASDN of mice and rabbits, IC BK channel expression and activity increase with a high K+ diet. In cell culture, the long isoform of the kinase WNK1 (L-WNK1) increases BK channel expression and activity. Apical L-WNK1 expression is selectively enhanced in ICs in the ASDN of rabbits on a high K+ diet, suggesting that L-WNK1 contributes to BK channel regulation by dietary K+. We examined the role of IC L-WNK1 expression in enhancing BK channel activity in response to a high K+ diet. Mice with an IC-selective deletion of L-WNK1 (IC-L-WNK1-KO) and littermate control mice were placed on a high K+ (5% K+ as KCl) diet for at least 10 days. IC-L-WNK1-KO mice exhibited higher blood K+ concentrations ([K+]) than controls. BK channel-dependent whole-cell currents in ICs from cortical collecting ducts of high K+ fed IC-L-WNK1-KO mice were reduced compared to controls. Six-hour urinary K+ excretion in response a saline load was similar in IC-L-WNK1-KO mice and controls. The observations that IC-L-WNK1-KO mice have higher blood [K+] and reduced IC BK channel currents are consistent with impaired urinary K+ secretion, and suggest that IC L-WNK1 has a role in the renal adaptation to a high K+ diet.