Identification of a basolateral Cl−/HCO 3 − exchanger specific to gastric parietal cells

Abstract

The basolateral Cl−/HCO[Formula: see text] exchanger in parietal cells plays an essential role in gastric acid secretion mediated via the apical gastric H+-K+-ATPase. Here, we report the identification of a new Cl−/HCO[Formula: see text]exchanger, which shows exclusive expression in mouse stomach and kidney, with expression in the stomach limited to the basolateral membrane of gastric parietal cells. Tissue distribution studies by RT-PCR and Northern hybridizations demonstrated the exclusive expression of this transporter, also known as SLC26A7, to stomach and kidney, with the stomach expression significantly more abundant. No expression was detected in the intestine. Cellular distribution studies by RT-PCR and Northern hybridizations demonstrated predominant localization of SLC26A7 in gastric parietal cells. Immunofluorescence labeling localized this exchanger exclusively to the basolateral membrane of gastric parietal cells, and functional studies in oocytes indicated that SLC26A7 is a DIDS-sensitive Cl−/HCO[Formula: see text] exchanger that is active in both acidic and alkaline pHi. On the basis of its unique expression pattern and function, we propose that SLC26A7 is a basolateral Cl−/HCO[Formula: see text] exchanger in gastric parietal cells and plays a major role in gastric acid secretion.