Regulation of pH is critical for physiological processes. Maintenance of acid-base homeostasis is tightly regulated by the renal and respiratory systems. However, fluctuations in extracellular pH are also sensed by other organ systems. Ion transporter activity to modify the amount of acid (H+ and CO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) is therefore actively maintained within the kidney and lung. This review describes acid-base disorders (acidosis and alkalosis) and highlights the importance of pH sensors and ion transporters that may be potential therapeutic targets for treatment of acid-base disorders. Specifically, the renal pH sensors proline-rich tyrosine kinase-2 (Pyk2) and G-protein coupled receptor-4 (GPR4) are discussed here.
Keywords: GPR4; Pyk2; acid-base disorder; acidosis; alkalosis; pH sensor.