Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase: An Indispensable Ion Pumping-Signaling Mechanism Across Mammalian Cell Membranes

Na⁺, K⁺-adenosine triphosphatase is a ubiquitous enzyme present in higher eukaryotes responsible for the maintenance of ionic gradients across the plasma membrane. It creates appropriate conditions for critical cellular processes such as secondary transport of solutes and water, for pH regulation, and also for creating an electrical potential that gives singular qualities to excitable cells. It also served as a platform for a higher level of cellular complexity because many important signaling networks appear to be downstream events of the pump’s function. Renal physiology and pathology are affected significantly by its presence, and it seems that both molecular and pharmacologic manipulations of its action can create different venues to deal with diverse disease states.

Keywords: sodium transport, protein trafficking, endocytosis, high blood pressure, cell signaling