LRRC8C is one of five LRRC8 proteins—along with LRRC8A, LRRC8B, LRRC8D, and LRRC8E—that can form subunits of the heteromeric volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC).[6] These channels play a vital role in cell volume regulation by transporting chloride ions and organic osmolytes—including taurine and glutamate—across the plasma membrane.[7]
Although LRRC8C can contribute to VRAC composition, it appears to be less essential for VRAC activity than core subunits LRRC8A and LRRC8D.[8][9][10] However, studies have shown that LRRC8A and LRRC8D alone are not sufficient to support the full functional diversity of VRACs.[11] The presence of additional LRRC8 subunits, including LRRC8C, modulates substrate selectivity and functional properties of VRACs.[12][10]
