Primary sodium plasma membrane ATPases in salt-tolerant algae: facts and fictions

For thermodynamic reasons algae growing in media of both high salinity and high alkalinity require active export of sodium. However, experimental evidence for an active Na+-dependent cycle was scarce until recently, in contrast to the situation in marine bacteria (including cyanobacteria), fungi and animals. However, a review of literature reveals that some progress has been made in this respect, recently: data demonstrate that at least in two marine algae, Tetraselmis (Platymonas) viridis and Heterosigma akashiwo (syn. Olisthodiscus luteus), active Na+-export is carried out by means of a plasma membrane localized Na+-pump (apparent molecular mass 100-140 kDa). Biochemical characteristics of this vanadate-sensitive, but ouabain-resistant primary P-type Na+-ATPase are described and compared with the corresponding properties of Na+-ATPase from prokaryotes and animals. Alternative mechanisms for Na+-pumping are discussed.