The renal WNK kinase pathway: a new link to hypertension

Abstract

The renal WNK kinase pathway: a new link to hypertension The discovery of the renal WNK kinase pathway is offer- ing new insights into sodium, potassium and blood pressure regulationinthedistalnephron.Ithasalsolargelyexplained the pathogenesis of a genetic form of hypertension called familial hyperkalaemic hypertension (FHHt, also known as pseudohypoaldosteronism type II or Gordon's syndrome), because it is caused by mutations in WNK kinases. How- ever,thequestionis:dotherenalWNKkinaseshaveclinical significance beyond this rare syndrome? Here, we review the most recent data on renal WNK kinase physiology and discuss their potentially broader roles in electrolyte trans- port and hypertension.