Reconstitution of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in Nanodiscs

Nanodiscs are disc-shaped self-assembled lipid bilayers encircled by membrane scaffolding proteins derived from Apolipoprotein A-1 (apo A-1). They constitute a versatile tool for studying membrane proteins since reconstitution into nanodiscs allows studies of the membrane proteins in detergent-free aqueous solutions in a lipid bilayer. Here, we apply the technique to the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase (NKA) from pig kidney using Membrane Scaffolding Protein 1 D1 (MSP1D1). Contrary to other reports, the nanodiscs obtained by our protocol are built up of the native lipids originally present in the detergent solubilized sample together with the NKA.