NOVEL PROTEIN AND GENE ENCODING THE SAME

摘要

A novel mechanosensitive channel protein derived from mouse or humans which is expressed specifically in the kidney and has the function of non-selectively transporting cation into cells in response to a mechanical stimulus; a DNA encoding these proteins; a method of screening cation channel activity activators or inhibitors with these proteins; and antibodies to these proteins. The above-described proteins are useful as a diagnostic agent or a therapeutic agent for diseases based on abnormalities in the cation channel, such as hypertension or diabetes, or as a tool for screening chemicals for preventing and/or treating these diseases.