Ion Selectivity in the ENaC/DEG Family: A Systematic Review with Supporting Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#amiloride #animals #epithelial-sodium-channels #humans #ion-transport

Ion Selectivity in the ENaC/DEG Family: A Systematic Review with Supporting Analysis

Vallée et al., 2021 | Int J Mol Sci | Systematic Review

Citation

Vallée Cédric, Howlin Brendan, Lewis Rebecca. Ion Selectivity in the ENaC/DEG Family: A Systematic Review with Supporting Analysis. Int J Mol Sci. 2021-Oct-12;22(20). doi:10.3390/ijms222010998

Abstract

The Epithelial Sodium Channel/Degenerin (ENaC/DEG) family is a superfamily of sodium-selective channels that play diverse and important physiological roles in a wide variety of animal species. Despite their differences, they share a high homology in the pore region in which the ion discrimination takes place. Although ion selectivity has been studied for decades, the mechanisms underlying this selectivity for trimeric channels, and particularly for the ENaC/DEG family, are still poorly understood. This systematic review follows PRISMA guidelines and aims to determine the main components that govern ion selectivity in the ENaC/DEG family. In total, 27 papers from three online databases were included according to specific exclusion and inclusion criteria. It was found that the G/SxS selectivity filter (glycine/serine, non-conserved residue, serine) and other well conserved residues play a crucial role in ion selectivity. Depending on the ion type, residues with different properties are involved in ion permeability. For lithium against sodium, aromatic residues upstream of the selectivity filter seem to be important, whereas for sodium against potassium, negatively charged residues downstream of the selectivity filter seem to be important. This review provides new perspectives for further studies to unravel the mechanisms of ion selectivity.

Key Findings

This review provides new perspectives for further studies to unravel the mechanisms of ion selectivity.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Amiloride
  • Animals
  • Epithelial Sodium Channels
  • Humans
  • Ion Transport
  • Lithium
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Sodium

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: potassium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09