ClHCO3vaihtajan

ClHCO3vaihtajan, also known as bicarbonate exchanger, is a protein found in the plasma membrane of various cell types, particularly in the kidney and red blood cells. Its primary function is to facilitate the exchange of bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) across the cell membrane in a 1:1 ratio with chloride ions (Cl-). This process is crucial for maintaining cellular and systemic pH balance. In red blood cells, the bicarbonate exchanger plays a significant role in the "chloride shift," which allows for efficient transport of carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste product, from the tissues to the lungs. Here, carbon dioxide dissolves in the blood and is converted to carbonic acid, which then dissociates into bicarbonate and protons. The bicarbonate exchanger moves bicarbonate out of the red blood cell and chloride into the cell, facilitating the continued uptake of carbon dioxide. In the kidneys, this transporter is involved in reabsorbing bicarbonate from the glomerular filtrate back into the bloodstream, which is essential for preventing metabolic acidosis. The activity of ClHCO3vaihtajan can be influenced by various factors, including intracellular pH and the concentration of bicarbonate and chloride ions. Dysfunction of this transporter can lead to imbalances in acid-base homeostasis, potentially contributing to certain kidney diseases and hematological disorders.