Due to the combined approach of molecular biology and physiology, knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the aetiology of many renal tubular disorders has seen important advances in recent years. The publication at hand provides a succinct and readable overview of the progress made in the understanding of transepithelial sodium transport and transcellular water transport, as well as discussing the essential role of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in epithelial electrolyte transport. Moreover, novel insights into renal calcium transport gained from an analysis of channels and the likely roles of the recently discovered family of renal voltage-gated chloride channels are reviewed, together with the molecular characteristics of phosphate transporters and their roles in the regulation of this anion.