WNK1: Proteins and Enzymes

WNK1 belongs to a novel family of serine/threonine protein kinases involved in regulating ion transport. The WNKs contain a cysteine instead of the usual lysine in their kinase activation domains. WNK1 mutations have been implicated in Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII), an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hypertension, increased renal salt absorption, and impaired potassium and hydrogen ion excretion.