Using KO and transgenic mouse models, we show that KS-WNK1 activates NCC via WNK bodies during dietary K+ deficiency and inhibits NCC during K+ excess. KS-WNK1 therefore functions as a signal amplifier 📶 that expands the dynamic range of DCT reactivity to [K+] 7/

…This is because during hypokalemia, the DCT WNK signaling pathway forms specialized condensates termed WNK bodies. These assemblies require KS-WNK1, a truncated DCT-specific WNK1 isoform. KS-WNK1 encodes the large IDR that drives WNK1 phase behavior; basically, it’s a disordered scaffold 6/

Our latest, now in print @jclinical-invest.bsky.social (w/ cover! 🎉) Led by @caryboyd.bsky.social , we identified a functional role for #WNK bodies in K+ homeostasis, highlighting a #condensate 🫧 that can influence kidney physiology & nephron sexual dimorphism, w/ implications for human health 1/