Epithelial sodium channel subunit alpha

UniProtKB accession:  P37088

Grouped By:  Matching UniProtKB accession

UniProtKB description:  This is one of the three pore-forming subunits of the heterotrimeric epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), a critical regulator of sodium balance and fluid homeostasis (PubMed:30251954, PubMed:32729833, PubMed:8023962, PubMed:8278374, PubMed:9792722). ENaC operates in epithelial tissues, where it mediates the electrodiffusion of sodium ions from extracellular fluid through the apical membrane of cells, with water following osmotically (PubMed:24124190, PubMed:28710092, PubMed:8278374). It plays a key role in maintaining sodium homeostasis through electrogenic sodium reabsorption in the kidneys (PubMed:12107247). Additionally, ENaC is essential for airway surface liquid homeostasis, which is crucial for proper mucus clearance (PubMed:24124190, PubMed:28710092).