BACKGROUND: The distal convoluted tubule (DCT) plays an indispensable role in magnesium (Mg METHODS: Using available RNA-sequencing data and real-time quantitative PCR, expression of two alternative Slc41a3 transcripts, encoding isoform (Iso) 1 or 2, were assessed in kidney and isolated DCT tubules. HEK293 or HAP1 cells were transfected with plasmids expressing either of the isoforms, followed by RESULTS: Gene expression studies revealed a distinct transcript of Slc41a3 in the DCT with an alternative promoter, leading to a protein with a unique N-terminus
SLC41A3-Iso 2. HEK293 cells overexpressing SLC41A3-Iso 2, but not -Iso 1, exhibited 2.7-fold and 1.6-fold higher CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we identified two alternative transcripts of Slc41a3 in mouse. Slc41a3-Iso 2 is enriched within the DCT using specific gene regulatory elements. We speculate that specifically in the DCT, SLC41A3-Iso 2 orchestrates Mg