The Robert F. Pitts Memorial Lectureships were founded in 1978, when the many friends and admirer of Robert Pitts established a fund in memory of that distinguished physiologist. The lecturer is selected by the Renal Commission of the International Union of Physiological Sciences, with the Chair of Physiology at Cornell University Medical College acting ex officio. The lecture is presented at each International Congress of Physiological Sciences. The XXXIVth Congress was held in Christchurch, New Zealand on August 26 to September 1, 2001, and the Pitts Lecturer was Professor Heini Murer.

Functional domains in the renal type IIa Na/P_i-cotransporter. The proximal tubular brush border membrane type IIa Na/P_i-cotransporter is an important element in overall phosphate (P_i) homeostasis. Its regulation is tightly associated with membrane retrieval/reinsertion mechanisms. Specific molecular domains are involved in its internalization (predicted third intracellular loop) and in its apical expression (carboxy-terminus). Regulation and apical expression require a correct (‘proximal tubular’) cellular context and interaction with specific cellular proteins (scaffolding). Basic cotransport function is via a 3 Na⁺ to 1 P_i-coupling ratio, also including the possibility of a Na⁺-leak, and is strongly affected by changes in pH. This function can be assigned to monomeric transporter molecules. The predicted first intracellular and third extracellular loops contribute important functional characteristics. It is suggested that they may form “re-entrant loops” and thereby a “permeation pore.” Sequences in this region determine also pH-sensitivity and affinities in P_i- and in Na⁺-interaction, respectively.