Structure of the alpha 1 subunit of horse Na,K-ATPase gene

Regulation of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase by nuclear respiratory factor 1: implication in the tight coupling of neuronal activity, energy generation, and energy consumption

BACKGROUND

NRF-1 regulates mediators of neuronal activity and energy generation.

RESULTS

NRF-1 transcriptionally regulates Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase subunits α1 and β1.

CONCLUSION

NRF-1 functionally regulates mediators of energy consumption in neurons.

SIGNIFICANCE

NRF-1 mediates the tight coupling of neuronal activity, energy generation, and energy consumption at the molecular level. Energy generation and energy consumption are tightly coupled to neuronal activity at the cellular level. Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, a major energy-consuming enzyme, is well expressed in neurons rich in cytochrome c oxidase, an important enzyme of the energy-generating machinery, and glutamatergic receptors that are mediators of neuronal activity. The present study sought to test our hypothesis that the coupling extends to the molecular level, whereby Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase subunits are regulated by the same transcription factor, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1), found recently by our laboratory to regulate all cytochrome c oxidase subunit genes and some NMDA and AMPA receptor subunit genes. By means of multiple approaches, including in silico analysis, electrophoretic mobility shift and supershift assays, in vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation, promoter mutational analysis, and real-time quantitative PCR, NRF-1 was found to functionally bind to the promoters of Atp1a1 and Atp1b1 genes but not of the Atp1a3 gene in neurons. The transcripts of Atp1a1 and Atp1b1 subunit genes were up-regulated by KCl and down-regulated by tetrodotoxin. Atp1b1 is positively regulated by NRF-1, and silencing of NRF-1 with small interference RNA blocked the up-regulation of Atp1b1 induced by KCl, whereas overexpression of NRF-1 rescued these transcripts from being suppressed by tetrodotoxin. On the other hand, Atp1a1 is negatively regulated by NRF-1. The binding sites of NRF-1 on Atp1a1 and Atp1b1 are conserved among mice, rats, and humans. Thus, NRF-1 regulates key Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase subunits and plays an important role in mediating the tight coupling between energy consumption, energy generation, and neuronal activity at the molecular level.

Evidence that the H1‐H2 domain of α1 subunit of (Na++K+)‐ATPase participates in the regulation of cardiac contraction

(Na++K+)-ATPase (NKA) plays an important role in ion homeostasis and regulates cardiac contraction. To understand the molecular basis of its cardiac regulatory functions, we investigated whether the primary structure of the H1-H2 domain in alpha-1 (alpha1) subunit of the enzyme plays a role in myocardial contractile regulation. Here we show that site-specific binding to this 1 H1-H2 domain with a targeted antibody (SSA78) markedly augments intracellular Ca2+ transients and contraction of rat ventricular cardiomyocytes without inactivating NKA. In vivo SSA78 infusion in mice results in a positive inotropic effect with enhanced contractile function yet no change in relaxation, indicating a direct cardiac effect linked to the H1-H2 domain. Competitive immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry reveal that SSA78 binding is antagonized by ouabain, supporting the interaction of SSA78 at one of the glycoside-effecter sites. These new findings suggest that the H1-H2 domain of 1 subunit of NKA is a critical determinant of enzyme biologic activity, which couples to enhanced myocyte calcium transient and inotropic action.

Cystic fibrosis: a brief look at some highlights of a decade of research focused on elucidating and correcting the molecular basis of the disease

The disease Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the protein called CFTR, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, an ABC-transporter-like protein found in the plasma membrane of animal cells. CFTR is believed to function primarily as a Cl- channel, but evidence is mounting that this protein has other roles as well. Structurally, CFTR consists of a single polypeptide chain (1480 amino acids) that folds into 5 distinct domains. These include 2 transmembrane domains that are involved in channel formation; 2 nucleotide-binding domains (NBF1 and NBF2), the first of which clearly binds and hydrolyzes ATP; and 1 regulatory domain (R) that is phosphorylated in a cAMP-dependent process. Currently, the 3D structure of neither CFTR nor its domains has been elucidated, although both nucleotide domains have been modeled in 3D, and solution structures in 3D have been obtained for peptide segments of NBF1. The most common mutation causing CF is the deletion (delta) of a single phenylalanine (F) in position 508 within a putative helix located in NBF1. CF patients bearing this deltaF508 mutation frequently experience chronic lung infections, particularly by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and have a life span that rarely exceeds the age of 30. Since the CFTR gene was cloned and sequenced in 1989, there has been over a decade of research focused on understanding the molecular basis of CF caused by the deltaF508 mutation, with the ultimate objective of using the knowledge gained to carry out additional research designed to correct the underlying defect. In general, this pioneering or "ground roots" research has succeeded according to plan. This brief review summarizes some of the highlights with a focus on those studies conducted in the authors' laboratory. For us, this research has been both exciting and rewarding mainly because the results obtained, despite very limited funding, have provided considerable insight, not only into the chemical, molecular, and pathogenic basis of CF, but have made it possible for us and others to now develop novel, chemically rational, and "cost effective" strategies to identify agents that correct the structural defect in the deltaF508 CFTR protein causing most cases of CF.

Insect Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase

Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (sodium/potassium pump) is a P-type ion-motive ATPase found in the plasma membranes of animal cels. In vertebrates, the functions of this enzyme in nerves, heart and kidney are well characterized and characteristics a defined by different isoforms. In contrast, despite different tissue distributions, insects possess a single isoform of the alpha-subunit. A comparison of insect and vertebrate Na(+)/K(+)-ATPases reveals that although the mode of action and structure are very highly conserved, the specific roles of the enzyme in most tissues varies. However, the enzyme is essential for the function of nerve cells, and in this respect Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase appears to be fundamental in metazoan evolution.

Analysis of variation in relative mRNA abundance for specific gene transcripts in single bovine oocytes and early embryos

Variation in the abundance of a specific gene transcript was assessed in single bovine oocytes and in vitro-derived blastocysts. Transcripts encoding the Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha 1 subunit were detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantified relative to an exogenously supplied rabbit alpha-globin mRNA using laser-induced fluorescence capillary electrophoresis (LIF-CE). The precision of this relative abundance (RA) calculation was predicted and shown to resolve 2-fold differences in transcript abundance between individual blastocysts and predicted in oocytes to resolve 3-fold differences. The RA of the alpha 1 subunit transcript differed by 2- to 3-fold among blastocysts, and 3- to 6-fold among oocytes. Comparison of a general population of oocytes with blastocysts revealed little overlap in RA values between the two groups, with a 8- to 14-fold increase in the mean RA for each group with development observed in two successive experiments (P < or = 0.05). In contrast, oocytes selected for their developmental competence on the basis of morphologic criteria exhibited only a 1.6- to 1.7-fold developmental increase when the assay was performed on cDNA generated from either embryo pools (n = 6 versus 6) or individuals (n = 7 versus 7), respectively. These results provide the first characterization of the degree of heterogeneity in the abundance of a specific mRNA transcript among individual mammalian oocytes and preimplantation embryos and demonstrate that transcript relative abundance can be correlated with bovine oocyte morphology.

Synergism of the ATF/CRE site and GC box in the housekeeping Na,K-ATPase alpha1 subunit gene is essential for constitutive expression

Na,K-ATPase alpha1 subunit gene is constitutively expressed in a wide variety of tissues. Our previous studies revealed that the promoter region between -77 and +17 of the transcription initiation site of the rat Na,K-ATPase alpha1 subunit gene (Atp1a1) is sufficient for the promoter activity. In this region, an ATF/CRE site with an adjacent GC box exists. To elucidate how these sites are involved in the promoter activity, we analyzed effects of point mutations at these sites on transcription by in vitro transcription assays using nuclear extracts prepared from various rat tissues. Mutation at either site resulted in dramatic reduction of the promoter activity in all nuclear extracts, while mutation at both sites did not lead to further reduction. These results indicate that the ATF/CRE site and GC box are both essential for promoter activity and show synergistic activation. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated that Sp1 and/or Sp3 bind to the GC box, and ATF1-CREB heterodimer binds to the ATF/CRE site. Since an element, ATF/CRE site-GC box, is conserved in mammalian Na,K-ATPase alpha1 subunit genes and in other constitutive promoters, we propose that this element is a critical unit for constitutive expression.

Ouabain sensitivity and expression of Na/K-ATPase alpha- and beta-subunit isoform genes during bovine early development

The fluid movements that arise during blastocyst formation (cavitation) are, at least in part, driven by the Na/K-ATPase. In this study, the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to survey bovine pre-attachment embryos for transcripts encoding known isoforms of the Na/K-ATPase alpha- and beta-subunits, including isoforms not previously detected during the first week of mammalian development. Transcripts encoding the Na-K-ATPase alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3 and beta 2 isoforms were detected throughout bovine preattachment development. This is the first indication that alpha 2, alpha 3 and beta 2 mRNAs are expressed during this early developmental interval. As in the mouse, beta 1-subunit transcripts were not detected until the morula stage and were also present in blastocysts. Thus, in two mammalian species an increase in abundance of beta 1 isoform transcripts in the morula stage is coincident with the onset of cavitation. Transcripts encoding the recently characterized alpha 4 isoform were not detected. The sensitivity of bovine blastocysts to ouabain (a potent inhibitor of Na/K-ATPase) was determined by assessing the ability of bovine blastocysts to recover in ouabain supplemental culture medium following cytochalasin-induced blastocyst collapse. Re-expansion of bovine blastocysts was inhibited in all ouabain concentrations down to 10(-9) M. Mouse blastocysts, in contrast, were sensitive to ouabain at or above 10(-3)M. These results have established that transcripts encoding multiple isoforms of both the alpha and beta subunits of the Na/K-ATPase are expressed throughout early bovine development and that bovine blastocysts display a greater sensitivity to ouabain than murine blastocysts. Future analysis will determine the possible individual and collective roles of these isoforms during blastocyst formation.

Polymorphism and structure of the gene coding for the alpha 1 subunit of the Artemia franciscana Na/K-ATPase

Genomic clones coding for one of the two identified Artemia franciscana Na/K-ATPase alpha subunits, the alpha 1 subunit, have been isolated. Several overlapping clones were obtained, although their restriction maps showed a large heterogeneity. Sequencing of their exons showed that they differ in up to 3.46% of their nucleotides in translated regions and 8.18% in untranslated regions. Southern blot analysis of DNA purified from different lots of A. franciscana cysts and from isolated individuals suggests that the variation is due to the existence of multiple Na/K-ATPase alpha 1 subunit alleles in A. franciscana. The Na/K-ATPase alpha 1 subunit gene is divided into 15 exons. Ten of the 14 introns are located in identical positions in this gene as in the human Na/K-ATPase alpha 3 subunit gene. Analysis of the 5' flanking region of the gene has allowed identification of the transcription-initiation sites. The adjacent upstream region has been shown to have functional promoter activity in cultured mammalian cells, suggesting the evolutionary conservation of some of the promoter regulatory sequences.

Negative transcriptional regulation of the chicken Na+/K(+)-ATPase alpha 1-subunit gene

Although the Na+/K(+)-ATPase alpha 1-subunit gene is ubiquitously expressed in vertebrates, its level of expression varies among tissue and cell types. In spite of similar mRNA distribution in tissues of mammals and birds, the 5'-flanking regions of alpha 1-subunit genes exhibit remarkable diversity; i.e., the core promoter activity of the TATA-less chicken alpha 1 gene strongly depends upon multiple Sp1-based regulation (six Sp1 sites), whereas the promoter activity of the TATA-like rat alpha 1-subunit gene relies on the two Sp1 and additional positive regulatory factors. Further analysis of the regulatory regions of the Na+/K(+)-ATPase alpha 1-subunit genes revealed that the vertebrate alpha 1-subunit genes may share common inhibitory mechanisms for subtle transcriptional regulation; the core promoter activities can be either enhanced or repressed depending on the availability of inhibitory factors. Two potential candidates for such inhibitory elements in both avian and mammalian Na+/K(+)-ATPase alpha 1-subunit genes are (1) a newly identified element, GCCCTC, and (2) a GCF-binding sequence, NN[G/c]CG[G/c][G/c][G/c]CN, or its reverse complement. Gel retardation assays using the inhibitory region of the chicken gene and crude nuclear extracts from tissue-cultured chicken and mouse cells showed the existence of a set of proteins that bind to this region. The amounts of individual regulatory proteins in different cell types seem to vary, resulting in differential formation of DNA/protein complexes in different cell types. Thus, the regulation of Na+/K(+)-ATPase alpha 1-subunit gene expression under different cellular environment as well as in different cell types can be achieved by a shared mechanism; modulation of the ratio of the abundance of individual inhibitory factors.

cDNA cloning of Na+, K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit from embryos of the sea urchin, Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus

Na+, K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit cDNA of the sea urchin, Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus, was obtained by twice screening prism and gastrula lambda gt10 cDNA libraries using an oligonucleotide probe derived from a mostly conserved region, FSBA (5'-p-(fluorosulfonyl)-benzoyladenosine) binding site of cation transport ATPases. The 5'-end of the non-coding region was determined by primer extension and the region was amplified by 5'-RACE method. The sea urchin alpha-subunit cDNA consists of 4401 nucleotides and encodes 1038 amino acid residues (MW, 114 kDa). The predicted primary structure, except N-terminal region, has similar degree of high homology to various metazoan Na+, K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunits. Alignment of amino acid sequence and a hydropathy profile also predicts eight putative transmembrane segments at least. The phylogenetic tree suspected from alignment of amino acid sequences of 21 species suggests that sea urchin and vertebrate Na+, K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunits seem to have evolved from a common origin, before vertebrate alpha-subunit divided into three isoforms.

ATF-1CREB heterodimer is involved in constitutive expression of the housekeeping Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 subunit gene

Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 subunit is an essential protein for cell growth and homeostasis. The gene coding for the protein is expressed in various types of tissues. We previously demonstrated that the transcription regulatory element of the gene (ARE) is located in the position -102 to -61 from the transcription initiation site. To identify the minimal regions that are essential for the constitutive expression, the sequences of the ARE were analyzed in detail by in vitro transcription assays using nuclear extracts from rat kidney, brain and liver. The analyses of various mutations in the promoter demonstrated that the proximal region of the ARE is required for the efficient transcription in every nuclear extract. The factors binding to this region in these nuclear extracts exhibited identical mobility in gel retardation assays. The ATF/CRE core motif is indicated to be important for the factor binding and for the promoter function in all nuclear extracts. The common binding factor in the nuclear extracts was revealed to be an ATF-1/CREB heterodimer by gel retardation assays using specific antibodies. We conclude that the ATF-1/CREB heterodimer is involved in the constitutive expression of the Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 subunit gene.

A putative fourth Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit gene is expressed in testis

The Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha subunit has three known isoforms, alpha 1, alpha 2 and alpha 3, each encoded by a separate gene. This study was undertaken to determine the functional status of a fourth human alpha-like gene, ATP1AL2. Partial genomic sequence analysis revealed regions exhibiting sequence similarity with exons 3-6 of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha isoform genes. ATP1AL2 cDNAs spanning the coding sequence of a novel P-type ATPase alpha subunit were isolated from a rat testis library. The predicted polypeptide is 1028 amino acids long and exhibits 76-78% identity with the rat Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha 1, alpha 2 and alpha 3 isoforms, indicating that ATP1AL2 may encode a fourth Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha isoform. A 3.9-kb mRNA is expressed abundantly in human and rat testis.

The presence of both negative and positive elements in the 5'-flanking sequence of the rat Na,K-ATPase alpha 3 subunit gene are required for brain expression in transgenic mice

The Na,K-ATPase is an integral plasma membrane protein consisting of alpha and beta subunits, each of which has discrete isoforms expressed in a tissue-specific manner. Of the three functional alpha isoform genes, the one encoding the alpha 3 isoform is the most tissue-restricted in its expression, being found primarily in the brain. To identify regions of the alpha 3 isoform gene that are involved in directing expression in the brain, a 1.6 kb 5'-flanking sequence was attached to a reporter gene, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). The alpha 3-CAT chimeric gene construct was microinjected into fertilized mouse eggs, and transgenic mice were produced. Analysis of adult transgenic mice from different lines revealed that the transgene is expressed primarily in the brain. To further delineate regions that are needed for conferring expression in this tissue, systematic deletions of the 5'-flanking sequence of the alpha 3-CAT fusion constructs were made and analyzed, again using transgenic mice. The results from these analyses indicate that DNA sequences required for mediating brain-specific expression of the alpha 3 isoform gene are present within 210 bp upstream of the transcription initiation site. alpha 3-CAT promoter constructs containing scanning mutations in this region were also assayed in transgenic mice. These studies have identified both a functional neural-restrictive silencer element as well as a positively acting cis element.

Structural analysis and expression of a chromosomal gene encoding an avian Na+/K(+)-ATPase beta 1-subunit

Chicken chromosomal DNA encoding the Na+/K(+)-ATPase beta 1-subunit was cloned and characterized. Its exon-intron structure is identical to mammalian (human and rat) beta 1-subunit genes. The transcription initiation site, TATA box, and an ATTGG (antisense CCAAT) sequence follow approximately 1 kilobase of GC-rich 5' upstream sequence that contains many consensus sequences for transcription factors whose relative positions are conserved between human and chicken genes. When this beta 1-subunit gene was stably incorporated into mouse L cells and C2C12 cells, the avian beta 1-subunit was expressed under the control of the its own promoter.

Higher plant Ca(2+)-ATPase: primary structure and regulation of mRNA abundance by salt

Calcium-dependent regulatory mechanisms participate in diverse developmentally, hormonally, and environmentally regulated processes, with the precise control of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration being critical to such mechanisms. In plant cells, P-type Ca(2+)-ATPases localized in the plasma membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum are thought to play a central role in regulating cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations. Ca(2+)-ATPase activity has been identified in isolated plant cell membranes, but the protein has not been characterized at the molecular level. We have isolated a partial-length cDNA (LCA1) and a complete genomic clone (gLCA13) encoding a putative endoplasmic reticulum-localized Ca(2+)-ATPase in tomato. The deduced amino acid sequence specifies a protein (Lycopersicon Ca(2+)-ATPase) of 1048 amino acids with a molecular mass of 116 kDa, eight probable transmembrane domains, and all of the highly conserved functional domains common to P-type cation-translocating ATPases. In addition, the protein shares approximately 50% amino acid sequence identify with animal sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases but less than 30% identity with other P-type ATPases. Genomic DNA blot hybridization analysis indicates that the Lycopersicon Ca(2+)-ATPase is encoded by a single gene. RNA blot hybridization analysis indicates the presence of three transcript sizes in root tissue and a single, much less abundant, transcript in leaves. Lycopersicon Ca(2+)-ATPase mRNA levels increase dramatically upon a 1-day exposure to 50 mM NaCl. Thus this report describes the primary structure of a higher-plant Ca(2+)-ATPase and the regulation of its mRNA abundance by salt stress.

Housekeeping Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 subunit gene promoter is composed of multiple cis elements to which common and cell type-specific factors bind

Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 subunit gene (ATP1A1) is one of the housekeeping genes involved in homeostasis of Na+ and K+ in all animal cells. We identified and characterized the cis-acting elements that regulate the expression of ATP1A1. The region between -155 and -49 was determined as a positive regulatory region in five cultured cell lines of different tissue origins (MDCK, B103, L6, 3Y1, and HepG2). The region was divided into three subregions: from -120 to -106 (including the Sp1 binding site), from -102 to -61, and from -58 to -49 (including an Sp1 consensus sequence). Cell type-specific factors binding to the middle subregion (from -102 to -61) were detected by gel retardation analysis, using nuclear extracts prepared from MDCK and B103 cells. Two gel retardation complexes were formed in the B103 nuclear extract, and three were formed in the MDCK nuclear extract. DNA binding regions of these factors were located at -88 to -69 and differed from each other in DNase I footprinting experiments. These factors also showed different binding characteristics in gel retardation competition and methylation interference experiments. The identified cis element was named the ATP1A1 regulatory element. The core sequence of this element is found in several other genes involved in cellular energy metabolism, suggesting that the sequence is a common regulatory element responsive to the state of energy metabolism.

Housekeeping Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 subunit gene promoter is composed of multiple cis elements to which common and cell type-specific factors bind

Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 subunit gene (ATP1A1) is one of the housekeeping genes involved in homeostasis of Na+ and K+ in all animal cells. We identified and characterized the cis-acting elements that regulate the expression of ATP1A1. The region between -155 and -49 was determined as a positive regulatory region in five cultured cell lines of different tissue origins (MDCK, B103, L6, 3Y1, and HepG2). The region was divided into three subregions: from -120 to -106 (including the Sp1 binding site), from -102 to -61, and from -58 to -49 (including an Sp1 consensus sequence). Cell type-specific factors binding to the middle subregion (from -102 to -61) were detected by gel retardation analysis, using nuclear extracts prepared from MDCK and B103 cells. Two gel retardation complexes were formed in the B103 nuclear extract, and three were formed in the MDCK nuclear extract. DNA binding regions of these factors were located at -88 to -69 and differed from each other in DNase I footprinting experiments. These factors also showed different binding characteristics in gel retardation competition and methylation interference experiments. The identified cis element was named the ATP1A1 regulatory element. The core sequence of this element is found in several other genes involved in cellular energy metabolism, suggesting that the sequence is a common regulatory element responsive to the state of energy metabolism.

Sequence motif in control regions of the H+/K+ ATPase alpha and beta subunit genes recognized by gastric specific nuclear protein(s)

A nuclear protein(s) from rat or pig stomach recognized a conserved sequence in the 5'-upstream regions of the rat and human H+/K(+)-ATPase alpha subunit genes. A gel retardation assay suggested that part of the binding site was located in the TAATCAGCTG sequence. No nuclear proteins capable of the binding could be detected in other tissues of rat (liver, brain, kidney, spleen and lung) or pig liver. The sequence motif (GATAGC) located 5'-upstream of the beta-subunit gene also seemed to be recognized by the same protein, because the binding of nuclear protein to the sequence motifs in the alpha and beta subunits was mutually competitive. Considering the sense-strand sequence of the binding motif in the alpha-subunit gene, we conclude that (G/C)PuPu(G/C)NGAT(A/T)PuPy is a core sequence motif for the gastric specific DNA binding protein (PCSF, parietal cell specific factor).

Control region and gastric specific transcription of the rat H+,K(+)-ATPase alpha subunit gene

The rat gastric H+,K(+)-ATPase alpha subunit gene was cloned and the nucleotide sequence of its 5'-upstream region was determined. Sequence comparison with the corresponding part of the human gene indicated the presence of highly conserved regions which may be important for specific transcription of the alpha subunit in gastric parietal cells. The amino-terminal sequence (Met-Gly-Lys-Ala-Glu-) of the rat enzyme was similar to those of the pig and human enzymes. The gene organization of the rat enzyme was also similar to that of the human gene: introns 1, 2 and 9 were located in exactly the same positions as those in the human gene, and, as in the latter, exon 6 was not separated by an intron. The sequences of introns 1 and 2 were highly conserved among the rat, human and pig genes, but were entirely different from those of Na+,K(+)-ATPase catalytic subunit genes. Northern blot hybridization indicated that the gene was transcribed only in gastric mucosa.

The genes of Na,K-ATPase, a selfreview

The review is devoted to analysis of research carried out in the author's laboratory on structure-function relationships in genes coding for Na,K-ATPases. Also considered are problems related to molecular evolution of ion-transporting ATPases. This brief review is devoted to a fragment of research carried out in my laboratory, the Laboratory of Human Genes Structure and Function at the Shemyakin Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, USSR Academy of Sciences. The area of the review may be named as structural-evolutionary analysis of functional anatomies of genes. The approach is fairly standard and its essence was formulated long ago: evolution decides 'to be or not to be' based on usefulness or lack of it. The elements of genes that are important for the gene function are retained in the course of evolution, and a comparison of genes having similar functions in different species should, hopefully, reveal different behavior of gene blocks, conservation of functionally significant blocks and variability of less significant or insignificant ones. An approach like this has been widely used in comparing proteins. However, a study of genes gives the investigator yet another tool of structural and evolutionary import: the exon structure may be relevant to the gene's evolutionary history, with exons corresponding to the functional domains (arguments for and against this fascinating hypothesis have been reviewed by Blake (Blake, 1985). However, even if the exon-domain correlation does not hold in the general case, a similarity in the exon-intron pattern of genes from different species is indicative of their common evolutionary origin and is enforcing the logic of variability analysis, provided, of course, that the compared genes have a common predecessor. A few years ago we employed this approach to analyze the functional structure of genes coding for subunits of bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerases and constructed functional maps of the enzyme. After that, a similar study of Na,K-ATPase genes to be reviewed here was started. The entire project became possible through collaboration with the lab of Dr. N. N. Modyanov, an eminent specialist in protein chemistry who had already accumulated considerable information on Na,K-ATPase from pig kidneys by that time. I would also like to stress that the work has been started on the initiative of the deceased Director of the Institute, Yu. A. Ovchinnikov. Since this is a self-review, I am asking my colleagues whose work will not be cited here to excuse me.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Characterization of the 5'-flanking region of the human and rat Na,K-ATPase alpha 3 gene

Genomic clones containing the 5'-flanking region and exon 1 of the human and rat Na,K-ATPase alpha 3 isoform gene have been isolated and characterized. The nucleotide sequences of 1.6 kb of the rat gene and 2.8 kb of the human gene in the 5'-flanking region were determined. Mapping of transcription initiation sites by primer extension and S1 nuclease protection analyses indicates that transcription is initiated in the same region in both genes although the rat gene has a greater number of initiation sites. Neither gene has a canonical TATA box, having instead a ATAT sequence preceding the transcription initiation sites. There is a perfect CCAAT sequence, in the reverse orientation, approximately 30 bp upstream of the potential TATA box in both genes. We have identified potential binding sites for transcription factors Sp-1, AP-1, AP-2, and AP-4, as well as for glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone receptors in the 5'-flanking regions. These are conserved in both human and rat alpha 3 isoform genes.

Cloning and analysis of the 5'-flanking region of rat Na+/K(+)-ATPase alpha 1 subunit gene

We cloned a 13.3 kilobase (kb) fragment of genomic DNA spanning at least the first two exons of the rat Na+/K(+)-ATPase alpha 1 subunit gene (NKAA1) and 1.5 kb of the 5'-flanking region. S1 nuclease mapping analysis of the 5' end of the Na+/K(+)-ATPase mRNA indicated that the transcription initiation site was located 262 base pairs (bp) upstream of the translation initiation codon. The transcription initiation site of the Na+/K(+)-ATPase alpha 1 subunit gene was identical among six tissues of adult rat (kidney, brain, heart, thyroid, liver and lung). A TATA-box-like sequence (at position -32), two Sp1 factor binding sequences (-137, -56), an active transcription factor consensus binding sequence (-71) and two glucocorticoid-responsive element half consensus sequences (-750, -481) were found in the 5'-flanking region. The sequence of the first exon and the 5'-flanking region of the rat NKAA1 was 63% homologous to that of the horse equivalent. Maximum homology (82%) between the two genes was observed in the region from 361 bp upstream of the translation initiation site to the 3' end of the first exon. The TATA-like box, Sp1 binding site and the active transcriptional factor (ATF) consensus site in this region were conserved in both rat and horse.