Role of mTOR in regulation of ENaC activity

The epithelial Na⁺ channel (ENaC) is a key regulator of Na⁺ homeostasis and new findings show that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) can modulate ENaC function. Gleason et al. found that administration of mTOR inhibitors to mice prevented mTOR-dependent phosphorylation and activation of the ENaC regulator SGK1, resulting in substantial natriuresis. The researchers then performed patch clamp studies on cortical tubule apical membranes to show that mTOR inhibition reduces ENaC activity.