Meta-Biol

• Pathways

The SLC12A3 gene encodes for the Thiazide-sensitive sodium-chloride cotransporter (TSC). TSC mediates sodium and chloride removal from the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney (Mastroianni N et al, 1996). Defects in SLC12A3 are the cause of Gitelman syndrome (GS). GS is an autosomal recessive disorder that allows the kidneys to pass sodium, magnesium, chloride, and potassium into the urine, rather than being reabsorbed into the bloodstream (Simon et al. 1996). This cotransporter is the major target for thiazide-type diuretics, used in the treatment of hypertension, extracellular fluid overload and renal stone disease.