Defective SLC12A3 causes Gitelman syndrome (GS)

The SLC12A3 gene encodes for the Thiazide-sensitive sodium-chloride cotransporter (TSC). TSC mediates sodium and chloride removal from the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney. Defects in SLC12A3 are the cause of Gitelman syndrome (GS aka familial hypokalemic hypomagnesemia; MIM:263800). GS is an autosomal recessive disorder characterised by hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalciuria. Patients can present with periods of muscular weakness and tetany, usually accompanied by abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. GS has overlapping features with Bartter syndrome (caused by defects in SLC12A1). This cotransporter is the major target for thiazide-type diuretics, used in the treatment of hypertension, extracellular fluid overload and renal stone disease.

Summary from Reactome (R-HSA-5619087), read 2026-09-23.