背景介绍 WNK4 or WNK lysine deficient protein kinase 4 is a member of the WNK family of serine-threonine protein kinases which is part of the tight junction complex in kidney cells. WNK4 can regulate the balance between NaCl reabsorption and K(+) secretion. WNK4 negatively regulates the surface expression of SLC12A3, and the loss of this regulation may cause an inherited form of hypertension. WNK4 regulates the activities of several types of ion channels, cotransporters, and exchangers involved in electrolyte flux in epithelial cells. WNK4 is a positive regulator for the WNK-OSR1/SPAK-NCC cascade and is a potential target of antihypertensive drugs.