Molecular characterization of BASIC, an epithelial channel in the liver, and analysis of its physiological function.

BLINaC(脑-肝-肠钠离子通道)属于DEG/ENaC离子通道家族。尽管该通道家族的许多成员的功能和激活刺激都得到了很好的研究，但对BLINaC的了解却很少。BLINaC基因在脑、肝脏和肠道均有表达。通过免疫组织化学方法，我们能够显示该通道特异性地定位于胆管细胞的顶端区域，即胆管的上皮细胞。此外，我们能够证明BLINaC被胆汁酸激活，胆汁酸存在于高浓度的胆管中。因此，我们将该通道从BLINaC重命名为碱性胆汁酸传感离子通道。本项目的目的是利用电生理学技术分析BASIC在胆管细胞中的生理功能。此外，我们想要确定胆汁酸激活碱性的潜在机制，并确定该通道的相互作用伙伴，以获得关于碱性的生理功能的更多信息。本项目的研究结果将对阐明BASIC的功能有重要意义。

BLINaC (Brain-Liver-Intestine Na+ Channel) belongs to the DEG/ENaC family of ion channels. While the function and activation stimuli for many members of this channel family are well studied, very little is known about BLINaC. The expression of BLINaC mRNA was shown in the brain, the liver and the intestinal tract. By immunohistochemical means we were able to show that the channel is specifically localized to the apical region of cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells of the bile duct. Furthermore we were able to show that BLINaC is activated by bile acids which are present in bile ducts at high concentrations. Therefore we renamed the channel from BLINaC to BASIC - Bile Acid Sensing Ion Channel. The objective of the proposed project is the analysis of the physiological function of BASIC in cholangiocytes using electrophysiological techniques. Furthermore we want to characterize the mechanism underlying the activation of BASIC by bile acids and identify interaction partners of the channel to gain additional information on the physiological function of BASIC. The results of this project will significantly contribute towards elucidating the function of BASIC.