Identification of a physiological role of the bile acid-sensitive ion channel BASIC in bile duct epithelial cells

The bile acid-sensitive ion channel BASIC is a close relative of the epithelial Na⁺ channel (ENaC) and the acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). It is found in various tissues including liver and brain. The function of BASIC in these organs however is yet unknown. In our current study "The bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC) mediates bile acid-dependent currents in bile duct epithelial cells" published in „Pflügers Archiv – European Journal of Physiology“ we could show for the first time that in bile duct epithelial cells BASIC is activated by bile acids and is thus likely to be involved in transpithelial transport processes.