4ezd

Structural highlights

Function

UT1_BOVIN Urea channel that facilitates transmembrane urea transport down a concentration gradient. A constriction of the transmembrane channel functions as selectivity filter through which urea is expected to pass in dehydrated form. The rate of urea conduction is increased by hypotonic stress. Plays an important role in the kidney medulla collecting ducts, where it allows rapid equilibration between the lumen of the collecting ducts and the interstitium, and thereby prevents water loss driven by the high concentration of urea in the urine. Facilitates urea transport across erythrocyte membranes. May also play a role in transmembrane water transport, possibly by indirect means.^{[1] [2]}

See Also

• Urea transporter

References

1. ↑ Stewart GS, Graham C, Cattell S, Smith TP, Simmons NL, Smith CP. UT-B is expressed in bovine rumen: potential role in ruminal urea transport. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2005 Aug;289(2):R605-R612. Epub, 2005 Apr 21. PMID:15845882 doi:http://dx.doi.org/00127.2005
2. ↑ Levin EJ, Cao Y, Enkavi G, Quick M, Pan Y, Tajkhorshid E, Zhou M. Structure and permeation mechanism of a mammalian urea transporter. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 25. PMID:22733730 doi:10.1073/pnas.1207362109