The ClC-3 Cl− channel in cell volume regulation, proliferation and apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells

The volume-regulated Cl− current (ICl.vol) is responsible for the transmembrane Cl− transport that is involved in cell volume regulatory mechanisms. Although the regulation of cell volume is a fundamental function of healthy cells for maintaining constant size, the molecular genetic identification of ICl.vol is still being debated. Recent studies in vascular smooth muscle support the idea that ClC-3, a member of the voltage-gated ClC Cl− channel family, is the molecular component involved in the activation or regulation of ICl.vol. Moreover, gene-targeting studies in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and other cell types indicate emerging roles of ClC-3 in cell proliferation and apoptosis. These findings indicate that ClC-3 might be involved in modulating vascular remodeling in hypertension and arteriosclerosis.