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Parvalbumin (PV) is a classical member of the EF-hand protein superfamily that has been described as a Ca²⁺ buffer and Ca²⁺ transporter/shuttle protein and may also play an additional role in Mg²⁺ handling. PV is exclusively expressed in the early part of the distal convoluted tubule in the human and mouse kidneys. Recent studies in Pvalb knockout mice revealed a role of PV in the distal handling of electrolytes: the lack of PV was associated with a mild salt-losing phenotype with secondary aldosteronism, salt craving and stronger bones compared with controls. A link between the Ca²⁺-buffering capacity of PV and the expression of the thiazide-sensitive Na⁺–Cl⁻ cotransporter was established, which could be relevant to the regulation of sodium transport in the distal nephron. Variants in the PVALB gene that encodes PV have been described, but their relevance to kidney function has not been established …