Aldosterone-induced signalling and cation transport in the distal nephron

Aldosterone is an important regulator of Na+ and K+ transport in the distal nephron modulating the surface expression of transporters through the action of the mineralocorticoid receptor as a ligand-dependent transcription factor. Aldosterone stimulates the rapid activation of protein kinase-based signalling cascades that modulate the genomic effects of the hormone. Evidence is accumulating about the multi-factorial regulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) by aldosterone. Recent published data suggests that the activation of a novel PKC/PKD signalling pathway through the c-Src-dependent trans-activation of epidermal growth factor receptor contributes to early ENaC trafficking in response to aldosterone.