The salt-wasting phenotype of EAST syndrome, a disease with multifaceted symptoms linked to the KCNJ10 K+ channel

Mutations in the K+ channel gene KCNJ10 (Kir4.1) cause the autosomal recessive EAST syndrome which is characterized by epilepsy, ataxia, sensorineural deafness, and a salt-wasting tubulopathy. The renal saltwasting pathology of EAST syndrome is caused by transport defects in the distal convoluted tubule where KCNJ10 plays a pivotal role as a basolateral K+ channel. This review on EAST syndrome outlines the molecular aspects of the physiology and pathophysiology of KCNJ10 in the distal convoluted tubule.