Biomedical subjects

J B Lingrel

Publications and source records attributed to J B Lingrel.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1993

Identification of a functional thyroid hormone response element in the upstream flanking region of the human Na,K-ATPase beta 1 gene.

The human Na,K-ATPase beta 1 subunit gene promoter activity is stimulated by thyroid hormone (T3) in the human intestinal Caco-2 cells. To identify potential cis-acting transcriptional regulatory elements involved in this process, chimeric plasmids containing varying lengths of the 5' flanking region of the human beta 1 Na,K-ATPase gene linked to the firefly luciferase reporter gene were introduced into Caco-2 cells by transient transfection. Analysis of T3-regulated luciferase activity of cells carrying these plasmids, and subsequent use of site-directed mutagenesis revealed that a region from -459 to -438 (relative to the transcriptional start site) is required for the induction of the beta 1 Na,K-ATPase gene by T3. An oligonucleotide containing this sequence from -465 to -433 confers T3 responsiveness to a heterologous promoter. Gel mobility shift assays showed specific binding of nuclear proteins of Caco-2 cells to this region and immunoreactive T3 receptor was identified in one of these complexes. These data demonstrate that there is a cis-acting thyroid hormone responsive element in the 5' flanking region of the human beta 1 Na,K-ATPase gene and induction of transcription of this gene by T3 involves specific binding of the thyroid hormone receptor to the TRE located at position -459 to -438.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1993

Amino acid residues of the Na,K-ATPase involved in ouabain sensitivity do not bind the sugar moiety of cardiac glycosides.

The identification of amino acid substitutions in the alpha subunit of the Na,K-ATPase that alter cardiac glycoside sensitivity provides a unique opportunity to examine the role these residues play in binding to the structural domains of these drugs. Substitution of a residue(s) involved in binding to the sugar moiety of cardiac glycosides would be expected to yield similar affinities for ouabain and its aglycone, ouabagenin. Sheep Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 subunit amino acid substitutions previously shown to influence ouabain sensitivity were tested for activity in the presence of ouabain and ouabagenin. These substitutions included both transmembrane and extracellular regions: C104F, D121E, N122D, Q111K, N122K, and Q111R, A112S. Na,K-ATPase activity versus drug concentration curves yielded I50 values over a 1000-fold range for wild type HeLa and HeLa transfectants. Interestingly, the I50 ratio for ouabagenin to ouabain in all mutants tested indicated a 19-24-fold lower affinity of the Na,K-ATPase for ouabagenin. This constant ratio among all mutations tested implies that the first transmembrane region and the first extracellular loop (H1-H2) do not participate in the binding of the sugar moiety of cardiac glycosides.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Site-directed mutagenesis of a predicted cation binding site of Na, K-ATPase.

Chemical modification and proteolytic digestion studies have identified a transmembrane glutamic acid residue (E953) of the alpha subunit of the pig kidney Na, K-ATPase as a possible cation binding site [Goldshleger et al. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89, 6911-6915]. In addition, an adjacent glutamate (E954) is conserved in all species and isoforms and may also be involved in cation binding. To further explore the role of these residues in ion transport, we have utilized a mutagenesis-expression strategy. This approach avoids the introduction of a large chemical moiety into the protein and allows specific amino acid substitutions to be introduced. Glutamic acid residues 955 and 956 of the rat alpha-1 subunit (corresponding to glutamates 953 and 954 of the pig kidney Na, K-ATPase) were replaced separately and together using site-directed mutagenesis of the rat alpha-1 cDNA. The mutant cDNAs were expressed in ouabain-sensitive HeLa cells. This system makes it possible to rapidly identify amino acid substitutions which significantly impair enzyme function, as substitutions which do not affect enzyme activity will yield colonies in the presence of ouabain, while substitutions which severely impair function will prevent or limit growth of the ouabain-sensitive HeLa cells. The amino acid replacements (E955Q, E956Q, E955Q-E956Q, E955D-E956D) all resulted in the growth of ouabain-sensitive cells, demonstrating that the modified Na, K-ATPase in each case was functional. To further study the altered enzymes, ouabain-resistant colonies were isolated and expanded into stable cell lines.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Substitution of transmembrane residues with hydrogen-bonding potential in the alpha subunit of Na,K-ATPase reveals alterations in ouabain sensitivity.

The role of H-bonding amino acids as determinants of ouabain affinity in the Na,K-ATPase was examined. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to substitute 21 conserved amino acid residues in the sheep alpha-subunit transmembrane regions. The amino acids were changed from residues which possess side chains capable of forming H-bonds with specific cardiac glycoside moieties such as the lactone ring or sugar(s) to residues unable to participate in H-bonding. The effect of each of these amino acid replacements on the affinity of the Na,K-ATPase for ouabain was initially assessed by screening the altered enzymes for the ability to confer ouabain resistance when expressed in otherwise sensitive HeLa cells. Three of the substitutions (Tyr-108 to Ala, Cys-104 to Ala, and Cys-104 to Phe) were able to confer resistance to the normally sensitive HeLa cells. Stable cell lines, each expressing one of the altered enzymes, were further characterized in terms of ouabain-inhibitable cell growth and Na,K-ATPase activity. Cell lines expressing the alpha 1-isoform substitution Y108A, C104A, or C104F contained a Na,K-ATPase activity which gave an I50 value for enzyme inhibition 9-, 6-, and 150-fold greater, respectively, than the endogeneous HeLa or sheep enzyme. These data show that Tyr-108 and Cys-104 of the alpha subunit are determinants of ouabain affinity. Cys-104 has also been shown to be a determinant of ouabain sensitivity in Xenopus laevis [Canessa, C. M., Horisberger, J.-D., Louvard, D., & Rossier, B. C. (1992) EMBO J. 11, 1681-1687].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

A DNA insertional mutation results in microphthalmia in transgenic mice.

Transgenic mice were produced by microinjection of a human A gamma-globin gene construct containing site 2 of the locus control region and the A gamma-globin gene with its 3' enhancer sequence. One transgenic mouse line (5'HS2 gamma en91) displayed an altered phenotype when the insertion event of this transgenic line was homozygous. These animals lack the normal pigmentation seen in their hemizygous and non-transgenic littermates, thus appearing white with unpigmented eyes. In addition, their eyes are underdeveloped, consistent with the phenotype associated with mutations at the microphthalmia (mi) locus. Backcrosses of transgenic mice with mi mutant mice result in phenotypes showing a lack of complementation, demonstrating that the site of transgene insertion is allelic with mi. Electron microscopic analysis of hair follicles and culturing of melanocytes from the skin of transgenic animals reveals an absence of cutaneous melanocytes in homozygotes and aberrant growth and morphology of the melanocytes isolated from hemizygous animals. The results presented here summarize the effects of this new allele of the mi locus.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Regulated expression of the human beta globin gene in transgenic mice requires an upstream globin or nonglobin promoter.

Transgenic mice have been used extensively to study elements governing the erythroid-specific developmental switch from human fetal gamma to human adult beta globin. Previous work demonstrated that a small construct composed of hypersensitive site 2 (HS2) of the locus control region (LCR) linked to the gamma and beta globin genes (HS2-gamma-beta) is sufficient for correct tissue and temporal expression of these genes, whereas HS2-beta alone is inappropriately expressed in the embryo. Two models, which are not mutually exclusive, have been proposed to explain these results and those of other constructs in transgenic mice. One model emphasizes the conserved polarity in the globin locus and suggests a distance effect whereby the beta globin gene must be removed from the LCR/HS2 to prevent an early and incorrect activation of this gene in the embryonic compartment. A second hypothesis proposes a competition between the gamma and beta globin gene promoters for interaction with the LCR/HS2. The active gamma globin gene promoter positioned between the LCR/HS2 and the beta globin gene thereby interacts with the HS2 elements early in erythroid development and is expressed until a change in putative stage-specific nuclear factors makes an interaction with the adult beta globin gene more favorable. In an effort to test the competition model, a construct has been prepared in which a small deletion was produced in the promoter region of the gamma globin gene while in the context of the HS2-gamma-beta plasmid. Analysis of this construct in transgenic mice reveals a constitutive unregulated expression of the human beta globin gene during erythroid development. To determine if this competition effect is specific for globin genes, a heterologous reporter gene has been substituted for the gamma globin gene in the construct HS2-gamma-beta. In this case, the beta globin gene exhibits correct developmental expression. This data is consistent with a model in which transcription from a promoter upstream of the beta globin gene in some manner protects this adult gene from activation by the LCR/HS2 during early development.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Characterisation of Na/K-ATPase, its isoforms, and the inotropic response to ouabain in isolated failing human hearts.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine whether failing human hearts have increased sensitivity to the inotropic and toxic effects of ouabain, and to examine alterations in Na/K-ATPase that might explain the observed higher ouabain sensitivity. METHODS: For contractility studies, a total of 57 trabeculae were isolated from two non-failing (death from head injury) and 10 terminally failing, explanted human hearts. After the experiment, each trabecula was inspected under the light microscope for morphological alterations consistent with heart failure. Samples for biochemical and molecular studies were obtained from five non-failing and 13 failing hearts. Total Na/K-ATPase was measured in desoxycholate treated homogenates and expressed per unit of tissue wet or dry weight, DNA, protein, or myosin. Interference from residual bound digoxin due to previous therapy was excluded. The expression of the three alpha isoforms was studied at both the mRNA level using northern blots and the protein level by analysis of dissociation kinetics of the [3H]ouabain-enzyme complex. RESULTS: Trabeculae showing morphological alterations and decreased contractility were sensitive to lower concentrations of ouabain (3-100 nM) than control trabeculae (100-1000 nM); the inotropic EC50 and the minimum toxic concentration were both reduced. [3H]Ouabain binding was significantly lower (p << 0.001) in failing than in non-failing hearts, at 293(SD 74) v 507(48) pmol.g-1 wet weight. No significant change was observed in maximum ATPase turnover rate, or in sensitivities to Na+, K+, vanadate, and dihydro-ouabain. All three alpha isoforms were expressed at the mRNA level in both normal and failing hearts. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows conclusively, for the first time, that failing human hearts are more sensitive to ouabain. This may be at least partly due to a mean reduction of 42% (95% confidence interval, 26 to 56%) in the concentration of Na/K-ATPase (decrease in Na,K pump reserve), but not to an alteration in its catalytic properties or in its isoform composition.

Blotting, Northern↗

PubMed1993

Site-directed point mutations in embryonic stem cells: a gene-targeting tag-and-exchange strategy.

Sequential gene targeting was used to introduce point mutations into one alpha 2 isoform Na,K-ATPase homolog in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. In the first round of targeted replacement, the gene was tagged with selectable markers by insertion of a Neor/HSV-tk gene cassette, and this event was selected for by gain of neomycin (G418) resistance. In the second targeted replacement event, the tagged genomic sequence was exchanged with a vector consisting of homologous genomic sequences carrying five site-directed nucleotide substitutions. Embryonic stem cell clones modified by exchange with the mutation vector were selected for loss of the HSV-tk gene by resistance to ganciclovir. Candidate clones were further screened and identified by polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis. By this strategy, the endogenous alpha 2 isoform Na,K-ATPase gene was altered to encode two other amino acids so that the enzyme is resistant to inhibition by cardiac glycosides while maintaining its transmembrane ion-pumping function. Since the initial tagging event and the subsequent mutation-exchange event are independent of one another, a tagged cell line can be used to generate a variety of mutant lines by exchange with various mutation vectors at the tagged locus. This method should be useful for testing specific mutations introduced into the genomes of tissue culture cells and animals and for developing animal models encompassing the mutational variability of known genetic disorders.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase gene expression in rat intestine and Caco-2 cells: response to thyroid hormone.

Expression of the Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) gene family in rat intestinal epithelial cells was examined using RNA blot hybridization analyses. Rat intestinal epithelial cells express only the alpha 1- and beta 1-subunit mRNAs. A gradient in expression of alpha 1- and beta 1-subunit mRNA was seen along the villus-crypt unit in both jejunum and ileum, i.e., villus tip >> crypt cells. Regional differences in expression were observed along the intestine. alpha 1- and beta 1-subunit mRNA abundance was similar in jejunum, ileum, and colon while enzymatic activity was highest in the jejunum and lowest in the ileum. Administration of thyroid hormone to thyroidectomized rats increased the expression of alpha 1- and beta 1-subunit mRNAs in jejunum but not in colon. Hypothyroidism had no effect on subunit mRNA expression. The human intestinal cell line Caco-2 was also studied. These cells also expressed only the alpha 1- and beta 1-isoform mRNAs and demonstrated a developmental profile in both mRNA and enzymatic activity. Furthermore, in Caco-2 cells both alpha 1- and beta 1-mRNAs and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase enzymatic activity were stimulated by thyroid hormone. Caco-2 cells transfected with 5' flanking regions of the human Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase beta 1-gene linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene responded to 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) treatment with increased expression of CAT activity. This suggests that the 5' flanking region of the beta 1-gene contains a thyroid hormone response element and that T3 upregulation occurs at the transcriptional level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Nonpolar amino acid substitutions of potential cation binding residues glu-955 and glu-956 of the rat alpha 1 isoform of Na+, K(+)-ATPase.

Side chain oxygens are critical in the binding of cations by several macromolecules, and chemical labeling studies suggest that the carboxyl oxygens of E953 of the pig kidney Na, K-ATPase are essential for Na+ and K+ ligation. An adjacent residue, E954, is highly conserved and may also be important in cation binding. Replacement of the corresponding glutamates in the rat alpha 1 isoform (E955 and E956) with glutamines or aspartic acids has only a modest effect on enzyme activity, but both substituted amino acids contain at least one side chain oxygen, and may fulfill the role of the wild-type glutamates in binding cations. Since substitutions of amino acids lacking an oxygenated side chain have not been made at positions 955 and 956, nonpolar amino acid replacements (E955A, E956A, E955A-E956A, and E955L-E956L) were made, and the effects of the substitutions on the cation dependence properties of the mutant enzymes were examined. The substitutions were made using site-directed mutagenesis of the rat alpha 1 cDNA (which encodes a ouabain-resistant alpha subunit), followed by transfection of wild-type and mutant cDNAs into ouabain-sensitive HeLa cells, with subsequent expression of the altered proteins. Transfection with all cDNA constructs resulted in the ouabain resistance of transfected HeLa cells, demonstrating that the modified Na, K-ATPase in each case was functional. Ouabain resistance of Na, K-ATPase activity was increased 1,000-fold in microsomal membranes isolated from cells transfected with wild-type rat alpha 1 (WT) and all mutant cDNA constructs, compared to activity in membranes prepared from untransfected HeLa cells. This confirmed the expression of a ouabain-resistant enzyme in all transfected cell lines, and the enhanced ouabain resistance permitted the study of the exogenous, expressed Na, K-ATPase in the presence of 5.0 microM ouabain. Cation stimulation of exogenous Na, K-ATPase activity was not affected by the E955A substitution and only slightly by the E956A replacement (K0.5(Na+) of 3.40 +/- 0.21, 3.30 +/- 0.22, and 6.60 +/- 0.55 mM NaCl for WT, E955A and E956A, respectively; K0.5(K+) of 0.78 +/- 0.01, 0.74 +/- 0.10, and 0.56 +/- 0.11 mM KCl). Even doubly substituted enzymes had only mild alterations in cation dependence properties (K0.5(Na+) of 7.54 +/- 0.23, 7.14 +/- 0.10 mM NaCl for E955A-E956A, E955L-E956L, respectively; K0.5(K+) of 0.43 +/- 0.13, 1.83 +/- 0.13 mM KCl). The results demonstrate that there are no requirements for an oxygenated side chain at positions 955 and 956 for normal or nearly normal cation dependence.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Ocular pathology in mice with a transgenic insertion at the microphthalmia locus.

A DNA insertional mutation at the microphthalmia locus (mi) in a transgenic mouse has been developed and given the allele symbol of mitg (Krakowsky et al., 1993). Mice homozygous for this transgene have eyes markedly reduced in size and relatively unpigmented. In this study, we examined the morphology of these eyes using light and electron microscopy. Transgenic homozygous (mitg/mitg) animals have a structurally normal choroid which lacks melanocytes but contains occasional leukocytes. The elastica of Bruch's membrane is absent except in an occasional site. The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) appears dramatically abnormal. It displays cellular heterogeneity, residual basal infoldings and apical microvilli, rare and immature melanosomes, and numerous cilia-like structures. Occasionally, cells of the RPE appear to have extruded into or from the choroid. The photoreceptor cells are devoid completely of outer segments and partially of inner segments. Numerous active macrophages are present between the amelanotic RPE and neuro-retina and also within the vitreous body. The anterior uveal tract is underdeveloped and hypomelanotic. This new microphthalmia model exhibits ocular pathology with similarities and differences to other mutations and the mi (microphthalmia) locus.

Alleles↗

PubMed1992

Chimeric rat Na,K-ATPase alpha 1/alpha 3* isoforms. Analysis of the structural basis for differences in Na+ requirements in the alpha 1 and alpha 3* isoforms.

Na,K-ATPase molecules containing the alpha 1, alpha 2*, and alpha 3* isoforms expressed in HeLa cells exhibit a two- to threefold difference in their K0.5 for Na+ (alpha 1 = alpha 2* < alpha 3*). To investigate the structural basis for this difference, chimeric alpha 1/alpha 3* isoform cDNAs were constructed and expressed in HeLa cells. Na,K-ATPase containing each alpha isoform chimera was analyzed for its Na+ dependence properties. Results of these experiments do not reveal a region in the alpha 1 or alpha 3* isoform that is clearly responsible for the apparent affinity for Na+. It is possible that molecular interactions involving amino acids that span virtually the entire Na,K-ATPase molecule contribute to the determination of this parameter.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Na,K-ATPase: isoform structure, function, and expression.

An interesting feature of the Na,K-ATPase is the multiplicity of alpha and beta isoforms. Three isoforms exist for the alpha subunit, alpha 1, alpha 2, and alpha 3, as well for the beta subunit, beta 1, beta 2, and beta 3. The functional significance of these isoforms is unknown, but they are expressed in a tissue- and developmental-specific manner. For example, all three isoforms of the alpha subunit are present in the brain, while only alpha 1 is present in kidney and lung, and alpha 2 represents the major isoform in skeletal muscle. Therefore, it is possible that each of these isoforms confers different properties on the Na,K-ATPase which allows effective coupling to the physiological process for which it provides energy in the form of an ion gradient. It is also possible that the multiple isoforms are the result of gene triplication and that each isoform exhibits similar enzymatic properties. In this case, the expression of the triplicated genes would be individually regulated to provide the appropriate amount of Na,K-ATPase to the particular tissue and at specific times of development. While differences are observed in such parameters as Na+ affinity and sensitivity to cardiac glycosides, it is not known if these properties play a functional role within the cell. Site-directed mutagenesis has identified amino acid residues in the first extracellular region of the alpha subunit as major determinants in the differential sensitivity to cardiac glycosides. Similar studies have failed to identify residues in the second extracellular region involved in cardiac glycoside inhibition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Human gamma- to beta-globin gene switching using a mini construct in transgenic mice.

The developmental regulation of the human globin genes involves a key switch from fetal (gamma-) to adult (beta-) globin gene expression. It is possible to study the mechanism of this switch by expressing the human globin genes in transgenic mice. Previous work has shown that high-level expression of the human globin genes in transgenic mice requires the presence of the locus control region (LCR) upstream of the genes in the beta-globin locus. High-level, correct developmental regulation of beta-globin gene expression in transgenic mice has previously been accomplished only in 30- to 40-kb genomic constructs containing the LCR and multiple genes from the locus. This suggests that either competition for LCR sequences by other globin genes or the presence of intergenic sequences from the beta-globin locus is required to silence the beta-globin gene in embryonic life. The results presented here clearly show that the presence of the gamma-globin gene (3.3 kb) alone is sufficient to down-regulate the beta-globin gene in embryonic transgenic mice made with an LCR-gamma-beta-globin mini construct. The results also show that the gamma-globin gene is down-regulated in adult mice from most transgenic lines made with LCR-gamma-globin constructs not including the beta-globin gene, i.e., that the gamma-globin gene can be autonomously regulated. Evidence presented here suggests that a region 3' of the gamma-globin gene may be important for down-regulation in the adult. The 5'HS2 gamma en beta construct described is a suitable model for further study of the mechanism of human gamma- to beta-globin gene switching in transgenic mice.

Aging↗

PubMed1992

Isoforms of the alpha subunit of Na,K-ATPase and their significance.

Recent studies of the Na,K-ATPase have demonstrated that multiple isoforms of both the alpha and beta subunits exist and that these are expressed in a tissue and developmental specific manner. In the case of the alpha subunit, there are three known isoforms, alpha 1, alpha 2 and alpha 3. We have examined adult human heart for the presence of these isoforms and found that all three exist in approximately equal amounts. This is in contrast to the adult rat heart which contains only alpha 1 and alpha 2 isoforms. The difference in abundance of various isoforms in various tissues could result from the necessity to express Na,K-ATPase with different properties at various developmental stages or in specific cell types. For example, enzymes with differences in Na+ or K+ affinity or the ability to respond to various effector molecules may be required. Alternatively, the presence of three isoforms may simply result from the triplication of the alpha subunit gene and the divergence of expression of these genes during evolution. In this case the isozymes would not confer a specific function to the Na,K-ATPase. In order to provide information with respect to these two alternatives, cell lines producing rat alpha 1, alpha 2 and alpha 3 were developed and the enzymatic properties of the resulting enzyme determined. The results indicate that Na,K-ATPase carrying the alpha 1 are alpha 2 isoforms are fairly similar while enzyme with the alpha 3 isoform differs in its apparent affinity for sodium. The K0.5 for Na+ is approximately three fold lower for this isoform.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Discordant segregation of Na+,K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase alleles and essential hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the alpha 2 and or beta 1 isoforms of the Na+,K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K(+)-ATPase) are involved in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. DESIGN: Segregation analysis of polymorphic DNA markers was used to test the involvement of Na+,K(+)-ATPase in essential hypertension. PARTICIPANTS: Children with persistent hypertension having one parent with essential hypertension were included in the study. Criteria for persistent hypertension were blood pressure readings with systolic and/or diastolic levels exceeding the 95th percentile based upon age and sex. The diagnosis of hypertension for adults, including parents and older siblings, was confirmed using criteria recommended in the 1988 report of the Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. RESULTS: In three essential hypertensive families consisting of 18 members including 11 hypertensives, several obligate recombinants between the Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha 2 isoform marker and the hypertension phenotype were observed. Similarly, in one hypertension family consisting of four members, obligate recombinants between the beta 1 isoform marker and the disease were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The discordant segregation of the alpha 2 and beta 1 isoform markers and essential hypertension suggests that neither the Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha 2 nor beta 1 isoform genes play a primary role in the pathogenesis of hypertension in the families studied.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Expression of Na,K-ATPase isoforms in human heart.

The expression pattern of the multiple isoforms of Na,K-ATPase was examined in the human heart. Isoform specific oligonucleotide probes for the alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3 and beta 1 subunits were used to probe Northern blots. The adult human ventricle expresses mRNAs for all three alpha subunit isoforms in addition to beta 1 subunit mRNA.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Comparison of the substrate dependence properties of the rat Na,K-ATPase alpha 1, alpha 2, and alpha 3 isoforms expressed in HeLa cells.

The role of multiple isoforms for the alpha subunit of Na,K-ATPase is essentially unknown. To examine the functional properties of the three alpha subunit isoforms, we developed a system for the heterologous expression of Na,K-ATPase in which the enzymatic activity of each isoform can be independently analyzed. Ouabain-resistant forms of the rat alpha 2 and alpha 3 subunits were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis of amino acid residues at the extracellular borders of the first and second transmembrane domains (L111R and N122D for alpha 2 and Q108R and N119D for alpha 3). cDNAs encoding the rat alpha 1 subunit, which is naturally ouabain-resistant, and rat alpha 2 and alpha 3, which were mutated to ouabain resistance (designated rat alpha 2* and rat alpha 3*, respectively) were cloned into an expression vector and transfected into HeLa cells. Resistant clones were isolated and analyzed for ouabain-inhibitable ATPase activity in the presence of 1 microM ouabain, which inhibits the endogenous Na,K-ATPase present in HeLa cells (I50 approximately equal to 10 nM). The remaining activity corresponds to Na,K-ATPase molecules containing the transfected rat alpha 1, rat alpha 2*, or rat alpha 3* isoforms. Utilizing this system, we examined Na+, K+, and ATP dependence of enzyme activity. Na,K-ATPase molecules containing rat alpha 1 and rat alpha 2* exhibited a 2-3-fold higher apparent affinity for Na+ than those containing rat alpha 3* (apparent KNa+ (millimolar): rat alpha 1 = 1.15 +/- 0.13; rat alpha 2* = 1.05 +/- 0.11; rat alpha 3* = 3.08 +/- 0.06). Additionally, rat alpha 3* had a slightly higher apparent affinity for ATP (in the millimolar concentration range) compared with rat alpha 1 or rat alpha 2* (apparent K0.5 (millimolar): rat alpha 1 = 0.43 +/- 0.12; rat alpha 2* = 0.54 +/- 0.15; rat alpha 3* = 0.21 +/- 0.04) and all three isoforms has similar apparent affinities for K+ (apparent KK+: rat alpha 1 = 0.45 +/- 0.01; rat alpha 2* = 0.43 +/- 0.004; rat alpha 3* = 0.27 +/- 0.01). This study represents the first comparison of the functional properties of the three Na,K-ATPase alpha isoforms expressed in the same cell type.

Animals↗