Human SLC4A11 Is a Novel NH3/H+ Co-transporter

SLC4A11 has been proposed to be an electrogenic membrane transporter, permeable to Na+, H+ (OH-), bicarbonate, borate, and NH4+. Recent studies indicate, however, that neither bicarbonate or borate is a substrate. Here, we examined potential NH4+, Na+, and H+ contributions to electrogenic ion transport through SLC4A11 stably expressed in Na+/H+ exchanger-deficient PS120 fibroblasts. Inward currents observed during exposure to NH4Cl were determined by the [NH3](o), not [NH4+](o), and current amplitudes varied with the [H+] gradient. These currents were relatively unaffected by removal of Na+, K+, or Cl- from the bath but could be reduced by inclusion of NH4Cl in the pipette solution. Bath pH changes alone did not generate significant currents through SLC4A11, except immediately following exposure to NH4Cl. Reversal potential shifts in response to changing [NH3](o) and pH(o) suggested an NH3/H4C-coupled transport mode for SLC4A11. Proton flux through SLC4A11 in the absence of ammonia was relatively small, suggesting that ammonia transport is of more physiological relevance. Methylammonia produced currents similar to NH3 but with reduced amplitude. Estimated stoichiometry of SLC4A11 transport was 1: 2 (NH3/H4C). NH3-dependent currents were insensitive to 10 mu M ethyl-isopropyl amiloride or 100 mu M 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid. We propose that SLC4A11 is an NH3/2H(4)C co-transporter exhibiting unique characteristics.