Channel surfing uncovers a dual-use transporter.

Beyond their roles in generating nerve impulses, ion channels are important for many facets of cell biology, including swelling and osmotic stress responses. Sabirov and colleagues now report that the prostaglandin transporter SLCO2A1 is a central component of the ubiquitous Maxi‐Cl anion channel. These findings add to a growing number of transporters displaying ion channel activity and not only provide a molecular handle for future Maxi‐Cl physiological and biophysical studies, but also underscore general questions about the principles that underlie such transporter/channel dual‐use behavior.