NIH grants fund research to discover why ultra-processed foods, which contain too much sodium and little potassium, raise blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease. The research focuses on interactions between genes, physiological mechanisms, and diets.

In sum:

These K+-regulated adjustments phosphorylation of NCC (pNCC, a surrogate for activity) have a profound effect on sodium delivery to the ASDN, and thus potassium-secretion. We call this the Potassium-switch pathway:

NCC is very sensitive to physiological changes plasma potassium (PK) (PMID:26422504), being almost maximally phosphorylated (surrogate for activity) when PK is < or = 2.5 mM and completely shut off when Pk >5.2 mM.
Terker et al from PMID:26422504

A new pathway, the “potassium switch” in the Distal convoluted tubule (DCT) offers an explanation for the potassium-dependent effects on sodium delivery. Detailed Reviews: PMID:26654186, 26863326

Potassium secretion is a two-step process. 1. Active transport from blood via the Na/K ATPase, and then 2. Passive efflux into the pro-urine through ROMK and “Big” Potassium (BK) Channels.

@jenpluznick.bsky.social 's lab goes all out in the JHU School of Medicine Physiology Holiday Lab door decorating contest. The black licorice strangling the Aldosterone-Sensitive Distal Nephron is my favorite. #Kidney #Physiology Rules.