Slc26a11, a chloride transporter, localizes with the vacuolar H+-ATPase of A-intercalated cells of the kidney

Chloride has an important role in regulating vacuolar H+-ATPase activity across specialized cellular and intracellular membranes. In the kidney, vacuolar H+-ATPase is expressed on the apical membrane of acid-secreting A-type intercalated cells in the collecting duct where it has an essential role in acid secretion and systemic acid base homeostasis. Here, we report the identification of a chloride transporter, which co-localizes with and regulates the activity of plasma membrane H+-ATPase in the kidney collecting duct. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescent labeling identified Slc26a11 (∼72 kDa), expressed in a subset of cells in the collecting duct. On the basis of double-immunofluorescent labeling with AQP2 and identical co-localization with H+-ATPase, cells expressing Slc26a11 were deemed to be distinct from principal cells and were found to be intercalated cells. Functional studies in transiently transfected COS7 cells indicated that Slc26a11 (designated as kidney brain anion transporter (KBAT)) can transport chloride and increase the rate of acid extrusion by means of H+-ATPase. Thus, Slc26a11 is a partner of vacuolar H+-ATPase facilitating acid secretion in the collecting duct.