ClC-2 (chloride channel protein 2) is a transmembrane protein and functions as a voltage-gated chloride channel. Chloride channels have several functions including the regulation of cell volume, membrane potential stabilization, signal transduction and transepithelial transport. ClC-2 is highly expressed in adrenal gland and involved in the regulation of aldosterone production. The opening of CLCN2 channels at hyperpolarized membrane potentials in the glomerulosa causes cell membrane depolarization, activation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and increased expression of aldosterone synthase, the rate-limiting enzyme for aldosterone biosynthesis. Defects in this gene may be a cause of certain epilepsies.
