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Multiple forms of the Na,K-ATPase: their genes and tissue specific expression
J B Lingrel1, R M Young, M M Shull
1University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Ohio 45267/0524.
Progress in Clinical and Biological Research
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Genetic tools reveal diverse Na,K-ATPase alpha subunit isoforms in various tissues. Different tissues express unique combinations of these alpha and alpha+ isoforms, impacting specific cellular functions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The Na,K-ATPase enzyme is crucial for cellular function, composed of alpha and beta subunits.
- Understanding the diversity of alpha subunits is key to elucidating tissue-specific roles.
- Genetic tools have enabled the identification of multiple alpha subunit genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the number and tissue distribution of Na,K-ATPase alpha subunit isoforms.
- To characterize the expression patterns of different alpha subunit mRNAs in various tissues.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genetic tools to identify Na,K-ATPase alpha subunit genes.
- Employed Northern blot and slot blot analyses to determine mRNA tissue distribution.
Main Results:
- At least five genes for the Na,K-ATPase alpha subunit have been identified, encoding alpha, alpha+, and a novel alpha III isoform.
- Tissue-specific expression patterns were observed: alpha mRNA is dominant in kidney, alpha+ in skeletal muscle.
- All three alpha subunit mRNAs are found in brain, with alpha III also detected in stomach and lung.
Conclusions:
- Na,K-ATPase alpha subunit isoforms exhibit distinct tissue-specific expression patterns.
- The unique combination of isoforms in different tissues likely supports specific physiological roles.
- Further research is needed to compare the functional properties of Na,K-ATPase enzymes with different alpha subunit isoforms.