Biophysical models reveal the relative importance of transporter proteins and impermeant anions in chloride homeostasis. Düsterwald, K., M., Currin, C., B., Burman, R., J., Akerman, C., J., Kay, A., R., & Raimondo, J., V. eLife, 9, 2018.
Biophysical models reveal the relative importance of transporter proteins and impermeant anions in chloride homeostasis [pdf]Paper  Biophysical models reveal the relative importance of transporter proteins and impermeant anions in chloride homeostasis [link]Website  doi  abstract   bibtex   2 downloads  
Fast synaptic inhibition in the nervous system depends on the transmembrane flux of Cl- ions based on the neuronal Cl- driving force. Established theories regarding the determinants of Cl- driving force have recently been questioned. Here, we present biophysical models of Cl- homeostasis using the pump-leak model. Using numerical and novel analytic solutions, we demonstrate that the Na+/K+-ATPase, ion conductances, impermeant anions, electrodiffusion, water fluxes and cation-chloride cotransporters (CCCs) play roles in setting the Cl- driving force. Our models, together with experimental validation, show that while impermeant anions can contribute to setting [Cl-]i in neurons, they have a negligible effect on the driving force for Cl- locally and cell-wide. In contrast, we demonstrate that CCCs are well-suited for modulating Cl- driving force and hence inhibitory signaling in neurons. Our findings reconcile recent experimental findings and provide a framework for understanding the interplay of different chloride regulatory processes in neurons.

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