Electrostatic Stabilization Plays a Central Role in Autoinhibitory Regulation of the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase.

ABSTRACT: The Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase is present in the plasma membrane of all animal cells. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the Na⁺ and K⁺ electrochemical potential gradients across the membrane, which are essential in numerous physiological processes, e.g., nerve, muscle, and kidney function. Its cellular activity must, therefore, be under tight metabolic control. Consideration of eosin fluorescence and stopped-flow kinetic data indicates that the enzyme's E2 conformation is stabilized by electrostatic interactions, most likely between the N-terminus of the protein's catalytic α-subunit and the adjacent membrane. The electrostatic interactions can be screened by increasing ionic strength, leading to a more evenly balanced equilibrium between the E1 and E2 c

SUBMITTER: Jiang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5266142 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature