pHi regulatory ion transporters: an update on structure, regulation and cell function.

Intracellular pH (pHi) is a major regulator of various and critical cellular functions. A close regulation of pHi is thus mandatory to maintain normal cellular activity. To this end, all cells express ion transporters that carry across their plasma membrane H+ or equivalent H+ into and out of the cell. Besides pHi, these ion transporters are under the regulation of neurohormonal stimuli. This review summarises the molecular identity, regulation and function of the main membrane pH-regulatory ion transporters.