Cl- as a signaling effector

What is it about?

This is a review that describes the different roles of Cl- as a signaling effector, including its ability to behave as a proinflammatory signal. An historical perspective is also included, describing early work on the influence of Cl- in diseases and in the regulation of enzymes, such as ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme).

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Why is it important?

For years Cl- was neglected as a signaling anion. Recent evidences from our group show that increased intracellular Cl- concentrations stimulate IL1B secretion, initiating an autocrine positive feedback loop that enhances its own signaling. Several Cl- -dependent genes have been described, including IL1B. Therefore, Cl- behaves as a second messenger for Cl- channels or channels that indirectly modulate its intracellular concentration. As a results from the IL1B signaling loop, intracellular ROS increase, creating an oxidative stress response inside cells, which might have many pathophysiological implications in diseases related to oxidative stress such as cancer, Alzheimer, Parkinson, asthma, arthritis, etc.

Perspectives