Bend or break: The primary cilium as a potential regulator of electrolyte reabsorption in the kidney

The epithelial cells lining the lumen of the tubular system in the kidney are exposed to a highly dynamic microenvironment, owing to the fluid flow of the pro-urine through this system. Renal flow sensing has been linked to various processes in the kidney, including electrolyte reabsorption. An important mediator of renal flow sensing is the primary cilium, which is found on almost all tubular epithelial cells. In this review, we describe the reported effects of fluid flow on electrolyte transport in the different segments of the nephron and whether these effects are dependent on the primary cilium. Collectively, these studies highlight the stimulatory effect of fluid flow on electrolyte reabsorption, with a variable degree of dependency on the primary cilium.