Na,K-ATPase: Structure-distribution-mechanism versus physiological and evolutionary mandates
Year: 2022
Type: preprint
Abstract: New techniques and elucidations in structural biology have enabled greater insights into the functioning of proteins. Since its discovery in 1957 by Jens Skou, the membrane protein of Na,K-ATPase (NKA, also known as sodium-potassium pump) has been a focus of intense study, owing to its centrality in neuro-cardio-musculo electrophysiology. Herein, we first take a brief stock of some historical discordance in the field of electrophysiology and revisit the context of formulation of the classical mechanism of NKA. Via a series of critical queries starting from the geometric/spatio-temporal considerations of diffusion/mass transfer of solutes in cells to an update on structural/distributional features of NKA in diverse cellular systems, and from various mechanistic aspects of ion-transport (thermodynamics, osmoregulation, evolutionary dictates, etc.) to assays/explanations of inhibitory principles like cardiotonic steroids, we highlight some unresolved problems in the field. This essay exhorts the scientific community to venture beyond the deterministic/stoichiometric (3Na:2K ratio) of bidirectional ion-pumping by NKA, for reasoning the theoretical foundations, experimental findings, and outstanding conundrums.
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4297790803