The Na-K-ATPase and calcium-signaling microdomains

J Tian, Z Xie - Physiology, 2008 - journals.physiology.org
J Tian, Z Xie
Physiology, 2008journals.physiology.org
The Na-K-ATPase is an energy-transducing ion pump that converts the free energy of ATP
into transmembrane ion gradients. It also serves as a functional receptor for cardiotonic
steroids such as ouabain and digoxin. Binding of ouabain to the Na-K-ATPase can activate
calcium signaling in a cell-specific manner. The exquisite calcium modulation via the Na-K-
ATPase is achieved by the ability of the pump to integrate signals from numerous protein
and non-protein molecules, including ion transporters, channels, protein …
The Na-K-ATPase is an energy-transducing ion pump that converts the free energy of ATP into transmembrane ion gradients. It also serves as a functional receptor for cardiotonic steroids such as ouabain and digoxin. Binding of ouabain to the Na-K-ATPase can activate calcium signaling in a cell-specific manner. The exquisite calcium modulation via the Na-K-ATPase is achieved by the ability of the pump to integrate signals from numerous protein and non-protein molecules, including ion transporters, channels, protein kinases/phosphatases, as well as cellular Na+. This review focuses on the unique properties of the Na-K-ATPase and its role in the formation of different calcium-signaling microdomains.
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