Role of WNK kinases in regulating tubular salt and potassium transport and in the development of hypertension.

Physiological studies have shown that WNK4 downregulates the activity of ion transport pathways expressed in nephron segments, such as the apical thiazide-sensitive Na+-Cl- cotransporter and apical secretory K+ channel ROMK, as well as upregulates paracellular chloride transport and phosphorylation of tight junction proteins such as claudins.