Serine/threonine-protein kinase component of the WNK1-SPAK/OSR1 kinase cascade, which acts as a key regulator of blood pressure and regulatory volume increase by promoting ion influx (  ). WNK1 mediates regulatory volume increase in response to hyperosmotic stress by acting as a molecular crowding sensor, which senses cell shrinkage and mediates formation of a membraneless compartment by undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation . The membraneless compartment concentrates WNK1 with its substrates, OXSR1/OSR1 and STK39/SPAK, promoting WNK1-dependent phosphorylation and activation of downstream kinases OXSR1/OSR1 and STK39/SPAK (    ). Following activation, OXSR1/OSR1 and STK39/SPAK catalyze phosphorylation of ion cotransporters SLC12A1/NKCC2, SLC12A2/NKCC1, SLC12A5/KCC2 and SLC12A6/KCC3, regulating their activity (, ). Phosphorylation of Na-K-Cl cotransporters SLC12A2/NKCC1 and SLC12A2/NKCC1 promote their activation and ion influx; simultaneously, phosphorylation of K-Cl cotransporters SLC12A5/KCC2 and SLC12A6/KCC3 inhibit their activity, blocking ion efflux (, ). Also acts as a regulator of angiogenesis in endothelial cells via activation of OXSR1/OSR1 and STK39/SPAK: activation of OXSR1/OSR1 regulates chemotaxis and invasion, while STK39/SPAK regulates endothelial cell proliferation . Also acts independently of the WNK1-SPAK/OSR1 kinase cascade by catalyzing phosphorylation of other substrates, such as SYT2, PCF11 and NEDD4L . Mediates phosphorylation of SYT2, regulating SYT2 association with phospholipids and membrane-binding (By similarity). Regulates mRNA export in the nucleus by mediating phosphorylation of PCF11, thereby decreasing the association between PCF11 and POLR2A/RNA polymerase II and promoting mRNA export to the cytoplasm . Acts as a negative regulator of autophagy . Required for the abscission step during mitosis, independently of the WNK1-SPAK/OSR1 kinase cascade . May also play a role in actin cytoskeletal reorganization . Also acts as a scaffold protein independently of its protein kinase activity: negatively regulates cell membrane localization of various transporters and channels, such as SLC4A4, SLC26A6, SLC26A9, TRPV4 and CFTR (By similarity). Involved in the regulation of epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) by promoting activation of SGK1 in a kinase-independent manner: probably acts as a scaffold protein that promotes the recruitment of SGK1 to the mTORC2 complex in response to chloride, leading to mTORC2-dependent phosphorylation and activation of SGK1 . Acts as an assembly factor for the ER membrane protein complex independently of its protein kinase activity: associates with EMC2 in the cytoplasm via its amphipathic alpha-helix, and prevents EMC2 ubiquitination and subsequent degradation, thereby promoting EMC2 stabilization .
Kinase-defective isoform specifically expressed in kidney, which acts as a dominant-negative regulator of the longer isoform 1 . Does not directly inhibit WNK4 and has no direct effect on sodium and chloride ion transport (By similarity). Down-regulates sodium-chloride cotransporter activity indirectly by inhibiting isoform 1, it associates with isoform 1 and attenuates its kinase activity (By similarity). In kidney, may play an important role regulating sodium and potassium balance (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Nucleus, Cytoplasm, Cytoskeleton, Spindle
Mediates formation and localizes to cytoplasmic membraneless compartment in response to hyperosmotic stress . Also localizes to the nucleus . Localizes to the mitotic spindle during mitosis .
Widely expressed, with highest levels observed in the testis, heart, kidney and skeletal muscle.
Strong expression in dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord.
This isoform is kidney-specific and specifically expressed in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and connecting tubule (CNT) of the nephron.