Cl^- channels in basolateral renal medullary vesicles X. Cloning of a Cl^- channel from rabbit outer medulla

These experiments were intended to identify candidate cDNAs which might encode basolateral membrane Cl^- channels of the mTAL using a homology-based cloning strategy. We prepared a cDNA library using a 1.8 to 3.2 kb mRNA fraction from rabbit outer medulla that induces a Cl^- conductance in cellular membranes of Xenopus/laevis oocytes. The cDNA library was screened with two ³²P-oligonucleotide probes corresponding to highly conserved sequences in other Cl^- channels. We isolated two cDNAs: rbClC-Ka and rbC/C-Kb. The protein sequences deduced from these two cDNAs had 99% homology. Using RT-PCR technology, cultured mouse mTAL cells were found to contain mRNA corresponding to these two cDNAs. Expression of the mRNAs corresponding to these two cDNAs was kidney-specific and was greater in rabbit renal medulla than rabbit renal cortex. Finally, by using RT-PCR technology in combination with microdissected glomeruli or tubule segments, we found mRNA for rbClC-Ka in glomeruli, proximal convoluted tubules, mTAL and cortical collecting tubules.