Overview:

WNK3 is a member of serine-threonine protein kinases, which was named the with-no-lysine family (1). WNK3 is expressed in several tissues including kidney and brain (1). WNK3 can regulate the activity of the electroneutral cation-coupled chloride cotransporters by activating NKCC1/2 and NCC and inhibiting KCCs (1). WNK3 kinase function is required for normal blood pressure homeostasis and the control of neuronal excitability (2). Also, overexpression of WNK3 increases the survival of Hela cells through caspase-3 pathway (3).

Gene Aliases:

PRKWNK3; FLJ30437; FLJ42662; KIAA1566

Genbank Number:

NM_001002838

References:

1. Rinehart J., et.al: WNK3 kinase is a positive regulator of NKCC2 and NCC, renal cation-Cl-cotransporters required for normal blood pressure homeostasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA.; 102(46):16777-82, 2005.

2. Kahle KT., et.al: WNK3 modulates transport of Cl- in and out of cells: implications for control of cell volume and neuronal excitability. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA.; 102(46):16783-8, 2005.

3. Veríssimo F., et.al: Protein kinase WNK3 increases cell survival in a caspase-3-dependent pathway. Oncogene, 25 (30): 4172-82, 2006.