Mechanisms of PVP-functionalized silver nanoparticle toxicity in fish: Intravascular exposure disrupts cardiac pacemaker function and inhibits Na+/K+-ATPase activity in heart, but not gill

Polyvinylpyrrolidone-functionalized silver nanoparticles (nAgPVP) are popular in consumer products for their colloidal stability and antimicrobial activity. Whole lake additions of nAgPVP cause long term, ecosystem-scale changes in fish populations but the mechanisms underlying this effect are unclear. We have previously shown that in fish, nAgPVP impairs cardiac contractility and Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity in vitro, raising the possibility that heart dysfunction could underlie population-level exposure effects. The goal of this study was to determine if nAgPVP influences the control of heart rate (fh), blood pressure, or cardiac NKA activity in vivo. First, a dose-response curve for the effects of 5 nm nAgPVP on contractility was completed on isometrically contracting ventricular muscle preparations from Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and showed that force production was lowest at 500 μg L-1 and maximum pacing frequency increased with nAgPVP concentration. Stroke volume, cardiac output, and power output were maintained in isolated working heart preparations from brook char (Salvelinus fontinalis) exposed to 700 μg L-1 nAgPVP. Both fh and blood pressure were elevated after 24 h in brook char injected with 700 μg kg body mass-1 nAgPVP and fh was insensitive to modulation with blockers of β-adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Na+/K+-ATPase activity was significantly lower in heart, but not gill of nAgPVP injected fish. The results indicate that nAgPVP influences cardiac function in vivo by disrupting regulation of the pacemaker and cardiomyocyte ionoregulation. Impaired fh regulation may prevent fish from appropriately responding to environmental or social stressors and affect their ability to survive.

ATP1A1 is a promising new target for melanoma treatment and can be inhibited by its physiological ligand bufalin to restore targeted therapy efficacy

Despite advancements in treating metastatic melanoma, many patients exhibit resistance to targeted therapies. Our study focuses on ATP1A1, a sodium pump subunit associated with cancer development. We aimed to assess ATP1A1 prognostic value in melanoma patients and examine the impact of its ligand, bufalin, on melanoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo. High ATP1A1 expression (IHC) correlated with reduced overall survival in melanoma patients. Resistance to BRAF inhibitor was linked to elevated ATP1A1 levels in patient biopsies (IHC, qPCR) and cell lines (Western blot, qPCR). Additionally, high ATP1A1 mRNA expression positively correlated with differentiation/pigmentation markers based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases and Verfaillie proliferative gene signature analysis. Bufalin specifically targeted ATP1A1 in caveolae, (proximity ligation assay) and influenced Src phosphorylation (Western blot), thereby disrupting multiple signaling pathways (phosphokinase array). In vitro, bufalin induced apoptosis in melanoma cell lines by acting on ATP1A1 (siRNA experiments) and, in vivo, significantly impeded melanoma growth using a nude mouse xenograft model with continuous bufalin delivery via an osmotic pump. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that ATP1A1 could serve as a prognostic marker for patient survival and a predictive marker for response to BRAF inhibitor therapy. By targeting ATP1A1, bufalin inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis in vitro, and effectively suppressed tumor development in mice. Thus, our findings strongly support ATP1A1 as a promising therapeutic target, with bufalin as a potential agent to disrupt its tumor-promoting activity.

O-Linked GlcNAcylation mediates the inhibition of proximal tubule (Na++K+)ATPase activity in the early stage of diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). It has been proposed that modifications in the function of proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) precede glomerular damage during the onset of DKD. This study aimed to identify modifications in renal sodium handling in the early stage of DM and its molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic BALB/c mice (STZ group) and LLC-PK1 cells, a model of PTECs, were used. All parameters were assessed in the 4th week after an initial injection of STZ.

RESULTS

Early stage of DKD was characterized by hyperfiltration and PTEC dysfunction. STZ group exhibited increased urinary sodium excretion due to impairment of tubular sodium reabsorption. This was correlated to a decrease in cortical (Na++K+)ATPase (NKA) α1 subunit expression and enzyme activity and an increase in O-GlcNAcylation. RNAseq analysis of patients with DKD revealed an increase in expression of the glutamine-fructose aminotransferase (GFAT) gene, a rate-limiting step of hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, and a decrease in NKA expression. Incubation of LLC-PK1 cells with 10 μM thiamet G, an inhibitor of O-GlcNAcase, reduced the expression and activity of NKA and increased O-GlcNAcylation. Furthermore, 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON), a GFAT inhibitor, or dapagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, avoided the inhibitory effect of HG on expression and activity of NKA associated with the decrease in O-GlcNAcylation.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the impairment of tubular sodium reabsorption, in the early stage of DM, is due to SGLT2-mediated HG influx in PTECs, increase in O-GlcNAcylation and reduction in NKA expression and activity.

An unusual conformation from Na+-sensitive non-gastric proton pump mutants reveals molecular mechanisms of cooperative Na+-binding

The Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) and non-gastric H+,K+- ATPase (ngHKA) share ~65 % sequence identity, and nearly identical catalytic cycles. These pumps alternate between inward-facing (E1) and outward-facing (E2) conformations and differ in their exported substrate (Na+ or H+) and stoichiometries (3 Na+:2 K+ or 1 H+:1 K+). We reported that structures of the NKA-mimetic ngHKA mutant K794S/A797P/W940/R949C (SPWC) with 2 K+ occluded in E2-Pi and 3 Na+-bound in E1·ATP states were nearly identical to NKA structures in equivalent states. Here we report the cryo-EM structures of K794A and K794S, two poorly-selective ngHKA mutants, under conditions to stabilize the E1·ATP state. Unexpectedly, the structures show a hybrid with both E1- and E2-like structural features. While transmembrane segments TM1-TM3 and TM4's extracellular half adopted an E2-like conformation, the rest of the protein assumed an E1 configuration. Two spherical densities, likely bound Na+, were observed at cation-binding sites I and III, without density at site II. This explains the E2-like conformation of TM4's exoplasmic half. In NKA, oxygen atoms derived from the unwound portion of TM4 coordinated Na+ at site II. Thus, the lack of Na+ at site II of K794A/S prevents the luminal portion of TM4 from taking an E1-like position. The K794A structure also suggests that incomplete coordination of Na+ at site III induces the halfway rotation of TM6, which impairs Na+-binding at the site II. Thus, our observations provide insight into the molecular mechanism of E2-E1 transition and cooperative Na+-binding in the NKA and other related cation pumps.

Catatonia Secondary to Depolarization Block

Catatonia is a severe psychomotor disorder that is associated with a 60-fold increased risk of premature death. Its occurrence has been associated with multiple psychiatric diagnoses, the most common being type I bipolar disorder. Catatonia can be understood as a disorder of ion dysregulation with reduced clearance of intracellular sodium ions. As the intraneuronal sodium concentration increases, the transmembrane potential is increased, and the resting potential may ultimately depolarize above the cellular threshold potential creating a condition known as depolarization block. Neurons in depolarization block do not respond to stimulation but are constantly releasing neurotransmitter; they mirror the clinical state of catatonia - active but non-responsive. Hyperpolarizing neurons, e.g., with benzodiazepines, is the most effective treatment.

Plasticity in Na+/K+-ATPase thermal kinetics drives variation in the temperature of cold-induced neural shutdown of adult Drosophila melanogaster

Most insects can acclimate to changes in their thermal environment and counteract temperature effects on neuromuscular function. At the critical thermal minimum, a spreading depolarization (SD) event silences central neurons, but the temperature at which this event occurs can be altered through acclimation. SD is triggered by an inability to maintain ion homeostasis in the extracellular space in the brain and is characterized by a rapid surge in extracellular K+ concentration, implicating ion pump and channel function. Here, we focused on the role of the Na+/K+-ATPase specifically in lowering the SD temperature in cold-acclimated Drosophila melanogaster. After first confirming cold acclimation altered SD onset, we investigated the dependency of the SD event on Na+/K+-ATPase activity by injecting the inhibitor ouabain into the head of the flies to induce SD over a range of temperatures. Latency to SD followed the pattern of a thermal performance curve, but cold acclimation resulted in a left-shift of the curve to an extent similar to its effect on the SD temperature. With Na+/K+-ATPase activity assays and immunoblots, we found that cold-acclimated flies have ion pumps that are less sensitive to temperature, but do not differ in their overall abundance in the brain. Combined, these findings suggest a key role for plasticity in Na+/K+-ATPase thermal sensitivity in maintaining central nervous system function in the cold, and more broadly highlight that a single ion pump can be an important determinant of whether insects can respond to their environment to remain active at low temperatures.

Sleep deprivation is associated with increased circulating levels of endogenous ouabain: Potential role in bipolar disorder

Endogenously produced cardiac glycosides, like endogenous ouabain (EO), are putative hormones that have been implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. Individuals with bipolar disorder appear to be unable to sufficiently upregulate production of EO in situations of increased need. This study was performed to determine the effect of sleep deprivation on the circulating levels of EO. Plasma EO concentrations were measured by ouabain-radioimmunoassay in heterozygote Na,K-ATPase a2 knockout (KO) mice, which have been used as an animal model of mania, and wildtype siblings at baseline and after sleep fragmentation utilizing the moving bar method. a2 KO animals had elevated endogenous ouabain concentrations compared to wild type controls (0.82 ± SD 0.22 nM vs 0.26 ± 0.02, P = 0.03). Sleep fragmentation increased ouabain concentrations in wild type mice (0.53 ± 0.08 nM sleep fragmentation vs 0.26 ± 0.02 nM baseline, P = 0.04), but not in a2 KO mice (0.60 ± 0.07 nM sleep fragmentation vs 0.82 ± 0.22 nM baseline, P > 0.05). These studies demonstrate that sleep disturbance can increase EO in control mice but animals that exhibit some manic behaviors are unable to increase EO production.

Effect of handling on ATP utilization of cerebral Na,K-ATPase in rats with trimethyltin-induced neurodegeneration

Previously it was shown that for reduction of anxiety and stress of experimental animals, preventive handling seems to be one of the most effective methods. The present study was oriented on Na,K-ATPase, a key enzyme for maintaining proper concentrations of intracellular sodium and potassium ions. Malfunction of this enzyme has an essential role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. It is known that this enzyme requires approximately 50% of the energy available to the brain. Therefore in the present study utilization of the energy source ATP by Na,K-ATPase in the frontal cerebral cortex, using the method of enzyme kinetics was investigated. As a model of neurodegeneration treatment with trimethyltin (TMT) was applied. Daily handling (10 min/day) of healthy rats and rats suffering neurodegeneration induced by administration of TMT in a dose of (7.5 mg/kg), at postnatal days 60-102 altered the expression of catalytic subunits of Na,K-ATPase as well as kinetic properties of this enzyme in the frontal cerebral cortex of adult male Wistar rats. In addition to the previously published beneficial effect on spatial memory, daily treatment of rats was accompanied by improved maintenance of sodium homeostasis in the frontal cortex. The key system responsible for this process, Na,K-ATPase, was able to utilize better the energy substrate ATP. In rats, manipulation of TMT-induced neurodegeneration promoted the expression of the α2 isoform of the enzyme, which is typical for glial cells. In healthy rats, manipulation was followed by increased expression of the α3 subunit, which is typical of neurons.

With a grain of salt: Sodium elevation and metabolic remodelling in heart failure

Elevated intracellular Na (Na_i) and metabolic impairment are interrelated pathophysiological features of the failing heart (HF). There have been a number of studies showing that myocardial sodium elevation subtly affects mitochondrial function. During contraction, mitochondrial calcium (Ca_mito) stimulates a variety of TCA cycle enzymes, thereby providing reducing equivalents to maintain ATP supply. Na_i elevation has been shown to impact Ca_mito; however, whether metabolic remodelling in HF is caused by increased Na_i has only been recently demonstrated. This novel insight may help to elucidate the contribution of metabolic remodelling in the pathophysiology of HF, the lack of efficacy of current HF therapies and a rationale for the development of future metabolism-targeting treatments. Here we review the relationship between Na pump inhibition, elevated Na_i, and altered metabolic profile in the context of HF and their link to metabolic (in)flexibility and mitochondrial reprogramming.

Acute and chronic effects of temperature on membrane adjustments in the gills of a neotropical catfish

Structural modifications in the gill membranes maintain homeostasis under the influence of temperature changes. We hypothesized that thermal acclimation would result in significant modification of phospholipid fatty acids, with modulation of sodium pump activity during acute (24 and 48 h) and chronic (15 days) thermal shifts in the neotropical reophilic catfish Steindachneridion parahybae. Indeed, the time-course experiment showed acute and chronic changes in gill membrane at the lowest temperatures, notably linked to maintenance of membrane fluidity: significant preferential changes in phosphatidylethanolamine, with decrease of saturated fatty acids and increase of C18:1 in all groups kept below 30 °C in chronic trial, increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids n6 and C18:1 at 17 and 12 °C compared to 24 °C, as soon as the temperature was changed (initial time). Additionally, the activity of the sodium pump increased at 12 °C, but without apparent connection with the altered lipid environment. The animals maintained at the lowest temperature showed a higher mortality, possibly because of the approach to the minimum critical temperature for this species, and unexpected results of changes in the fatty acid profile, such as decreased docosahexaenoic acid in phosphatidylethanolamine and increased saturated fatty acids in phosphatidylcholine. This set of mechanisms highlights rheostatic adjustments in this species in the face of temperature changes.

Thermal acclimation alters Na+/K+-ATPase activity in a tissue-specific manner in Drosophila melanogaster

Insects, like the model species Drosophila melanogaster, lose neuromuscular function and enter a state of paralysis (chill coma) at a population- and species-specific low temperature threshold that is decreased by cold acclimation. Entry into this coma is related to a spreading depolarization in the central nervous system, while recovery involves restoration of electrochemical gradients across muscle cell membranes. The Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase helps maintain ion balance and membrane potential in both the brain and hemolymph (surrounding muscles), and changes in thermal tolerance traits have therefore been hypothesized to be closely linked to variation in the expression and/or activity of this pump in multiple tissues. Here, we tested this hypothesis by measuring activity and thermal sensitivity of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase at the tagma-specific level (head, thorax and abdomen) in warm- (25 °C) and cold-acclimated (15 °C) flies by measuring Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity at 15, 20, and 25 °C. We relate differences in pump activity to differences in chill coma temperature, spreading depolarization temperature, and thermal dependence of muscle cell polarization. Differences in pump activity and thermal sensitivity induced by cold acclimation varied in a tissue-specific manner: While thermal sensitivity remained unchanged, cold-acclimated flies had decreased Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity in the thorax (mainly muscle) and head (mainly composed of brain). We argue that these changes may assist in maintenance of K⁺ homeostasis and membrane potential across muscle membranes, and discuss how reduced Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity in the brain may counterintuitively help insects delay coma onset in the cold.

Role of endogenous ouabain in the etiology of bipolar disorder

Background

Bipolar disorder is a severe psychiatric illness with poor prognosis and problematic and suboptimal treatments. Understanding the pathoetiologic mechanisms may improve treatment and outcomes.

Discussion

Dysregulation of cationic homeostasis is the most reproducible aspect of bipolar pathophysiology. Correction of ionic balance is the universal mechanism of action of all mood stabilizing medications. Recent discoveries of the role of endogenous sodium pump modulators (which include ‘endogenous ouabain’) in regulation of sodium and potassium distribution, inflammation, and activation of key cellular second messenger systems that are important in cell survival, and the demonstration that these stress-responsive chemicals may be dysregulated in bipolar patients, suggest that these compounds may be candidates for the coupling of environmental stressors and illness onset. Specifically, individuals with bipolar disorder appear to be unable to upregulate endogenous ouabain under conditions that require it, and therefore may experience a relative deficiency of this important regulatory hormone. In the absence of elevated endogenous ouabain, neurons are unable to maintain their normal resting potential, become relatively depolarized, and are then susceptible to inappropriate activation. Furthermore, sodium pump activity appears to be necessary to prevent inflammatory signals within the central nervous system. Nearly all available data currently support this model, but additional studies are required to solidify the role of this system.

Conclusion

Endogenous ouabain dysregulation appears to be a reasonable candidate for understanding the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.

Diversity, Mechanism, and Optogenetic Application of Light-Driven Ion Pump Rhodopsins

Ion-transporting microbial rhodopsins are widely used as major molecular tools in optogenetics. They are categorized into light-gated ion channels and light-driven ion pumps. While the former passively transport various types of cations and anions in a light-dependent manner, light-driven ion pumps actively transport specific ions, such as H⁺, Na⁺, Cl^-, against electrophysiological potential by using light energy. Since the ion transport by these pumps induces hyperpolarization of membrane potential and inhibit neural firing, light-driven ion-pumping rhodopsins are mostly applied as inhibitory optogenetics tools. Recent progress in genome and metagenome sequencing identified more than several thousands of ion-pumping rhodopsins from a wide variety of microbes, and functional characterization studies has been revealing many new types of light-driven ion pumps one after another. Since light-gated channels were reviewed in other chapters in this book, here the rapid progress in functional characterization, molecular mechanism study, and optogenetic application of ion-pumping rhodopsins were reviewed.

Mammals to membranes: A reductionist story

This is the story of a series of reductionist studies that started with an attempt to explain what underpins the high-level of aerobic metabolism in mammals (i.e. associated with the evolution of endothermy) and almost forty years later had led to investigations into the role of membrane lipids in determining metabolism. Initial studies showed that the increase in aerobic metabolism in mammals was driven by a combination of increases in mitochondrial volume and membrane densities, organ size and changes in the molecular activity of enzymes. The increase in the capacity to produce energy was matched by an increase in energy use, notably driven by increases in H⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ fluxes. In the case of increased Na⁺ flux, it was found this was matched by increases in Na⁺-dependent metabolism at the tissue level and increases in enzyme activity at a cellular level but not by an increase in the number of sodium pumps. To maintain Na⁺ gradient across cell membranes, increased Na⁺ flux is not controlled by an increase in sodium pump number but rather by an increase in sodium pump molecular activity (i.e. an increase the substrate turnover rate of each sodium pump) in tissues of endotherms. This increase in molecular activity is coupled to an increase in the level of highly unsaturated polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in membranes, a mechanism similar to that used by ectotherms to ameliorate decreasing activities of metabolic processes in the cold. Determination of how changes in membrane fatty acid composition can change the activities of proteins in membranes will be the next step in this story.

Partial Reactions of the Na,K-ATPase: Determination of Activation Energies and an Approach to Mechanism

Abstract

Kinetic experiments were performed with preparations of kidney Na,K-ATPase in isolated membrane fragments or reconstituted in vesicles to obtain information of the activation energies under turnover conditions and for selected partial reactions of the Post-Albers pump cycle. The ion transport activities were detected with potential or conformation sensitive fluorescent dyes in steady-state or time-resolved experiments. The activation energies were derived from Arrhenius plots of measurements in the temperature range between 5 °C and 37 °C. The results were used to elaborate indications of the respective underlying rate-limiting reaction steps and allowed conclusions to be drawn about possible molecular reaction mechanisms. The observed consequent alteration between ligand-induced reaction and conformational relaxation steps when the Na,K-ATPase performs the pump cycle, together with constraints set by thermodynamic principles, provided restrictions which have to be met when mechanistic models are proposed. A model meeting such requirements is presented for discussion.

Graphic Abstract

Apical periodontitis induces changes on oxidative stress parameters and increases Na+/K+-ATPase activity in adult rats

OBJECTIVES

Endodontic infection can cause systemic alterations. The involvement of oxidative stress (OS) and transmembrane enzymes compose the pathogenesis of various systemic diseases. However, the relation among apical periodontitis (AP), OS parameters, and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) pump was not reported in the literature. This study evaluated the AP influence on OS parameters and NKA activity in adult rats.

METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats (sixteen weeks old) were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: control (CT group; n = 8) and AP (AP group; n = 9), which was induced in the first right mandibular molar tooth. After 21 days of AP induction, mandibles were dissected for radiographic analysis. In addition, the heart, liver, pancreas, and kidney were collected for analysis of endogenous OS parameters and NKA activity. Data were analyzed by Student's T-test. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

AP presence increased reactive species (RS) generation only in the heart, while the other analyzed organs did not have this parameter modified. Heart and pancreas had a decreased endogenous antioxidant system (catalase activity and vitamin C levels), liver and kidney had an increased one. AP increased NKA activity in the heart, liver, and pancreas, but not in the kidney.

CONCLUSION

The modulation of both endogenous antioxidant defense system and NKA activity in vital organs suggested that alterations in the antioxidant status and cellular electrochemical gradient may be involved in the AP pathophysiology.

Cardiotonic steroid ouabain stimulates steroidogenesis in Leydig cells via the α3 isoform of the sodium pump

Cardiotonic steroids such as ouabain are potent inhibitors of the sodium pump and have been widely used for centuries in the treatment of congestive heart failure. In recent decades, however, they have also been identified as hormone-like molecules that trigger signaling cascades of physiological relevance by using the various sodium pump α subunit isoforms as receptors. The murine Leydig cell line MLTC-1 expresses both the ubiquitous, relatively ouabain-insensitive α1 isoform of the sodium pump and the ouabain-sensitive α3 isoform that is normally found in neuronal cells. The physiological relevance of the simultaneous presence of the two isoforms in Leydig cells has not been previously addressed. MLTC-1 Leydig cells contain lipid droplets (LDs) and are capable of progesterone biosynthesis when stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH). When exposed to low nanomolar concentrations of ouabain, they respond with stimulation of Erk1/2, CREB, and ATF-1 phosphorylation, LD enlargement, and perilipin2 mobilization to the LDs. As a result, progesterone biosynthesis is augmented. Abrogation of α3 isoform expression by siRNA prevents all of the above responses, indicating that it is the hormone/receptor-like interaction of ouabain exclusively with this isoform that triggers the signaling events that normally occur when LH binds to its receptor. Considering that ouabain is produced endogenously and is found in seminal fluid, one can speculate that effects of this substance on germ and somatic cells of the testis might play a role in male reproductive physiology.

Multiple myosin motors interact with sodium/potassium-ATPase alpha 1 subunits

The alpha1 (α1) subunit of the sodium/potassium ATPase (i.e., Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1), the prototypical sodium pump, is expressed in each eukaryotic cell. They pump out three sodium ions in exchange for two extracellular potassium ions to establish a cellular electrochemical gradient important for firing of neuronal and cardiac action potentials. We hypothesized that myosin (myo or myh) motor proteins might interact with Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1 subunits in order for them to play an important role in the transport and trafficking of sodium pump. To this end immunoassays were performed to determine whether class II non-muscle myosins (i.e., NMHC-IIA/myh9, NMHC-IIB/myh10 or NMHC-IIC/myh14), myosin Va (myoVa) and myosin VI (myoVI) would interact with Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1 subunits. Immunoprecipitation of myh9, myh10, myh14, myoVa and myoVI from rat brain tissues led to the co-immunoprecipitation of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1 subunits expressed there. Heterologous expression studies using HEK293 cells indicated that recombinant myh9, myh10, myh14 and myoVI interact with Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1 subunits expressed in HEK293 cells. Additional results indicated that loss of tail regions in recombinant myh9, myh10, myh14 and myoVI did not affect their interaction with Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1 subunits. However, recombinant myh9, myh10 and myh14 mutants having reduced or no actin binding ability, as a result of loss of their actin binding sites, displayed greatly reduced or null interaction with Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1 subunits. These results suggested the involvement of the actin binding site, but not tail regions, of NMHC-IIs in their interaction with Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1 subunits. Overall these results suggest a role for these diverse myosins in the trafficking and transport of sodium pump in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues.

Evolutionary Analysis of the Lysine-Rich N-terminal Cytoplasmic Domains of the Gastric H+,K+-ATPase and the Na+,K+-ATPase

The catalytic α-subunits of both the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase and the gastric H⁺,K⁺-ATPase possess lysine-rich N-termini which project into the cytoplasm. Due to conflicting experimental results, it is currently unclear whether the N-termini play a role in ion pump function or regulation, and, if they do, by what mechanism. Comparison of the lysine frequencies of the N-termini of both proteins with those of all of their extramembrane domains showed that the N-terminal lysine frequencies are far higher than one would expect simply from exposure to the aqueous solvent. The lysine frequency was found to vary significantly between different vertebrate classes, but this is due predominantly to a change in N-terminal length. As evidenced by a comparison between fish and mammals, an evolutionary trend towards an increase of the length of the N-terminus of the H⁺,K⁺-ATPase on going from an ancestral fish to mammals could be identified. This evolutionary trend supports the hypothesis that the N-terminus is important in ion pump function or regulation. In placental mammals, one of the lysines is replaced by serine (Ser-27), which is a target for protein kinase C. In most other animal species, a lysine occupies this position and hence no protein kinase C target is present. Interaction with protein kinase C is thus not the primary role of the lysine-rich N-terminus. The disordered structure of the N-terminus may, via increased flexibility, facilitate interaction with another binding partner, e.g. the surrounding membrane, or help to stabilise particular enzyme conformations via the increased entropy it produces.

Bufalin inhibits glioblastoma growth by promoting proteasomal degradation of the Na+/K+-ATPase α1 subunit

Chansu is a traditional Chinese medicine that is generally recognized as a specific inhibitor of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. Bufalin, an active component of Chansu, is an endogenous steroid hormone with great potential as a cancer treatment. However, the mechanism by which it exerts its antitumor activity requires further research. Currently, the α1 subunit of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (ATP1A1) is known to exert important roles in tumorigenesis, and the precise mechanisms underlying the effect of Bufalin on the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1 subunit was therefore investigated in this study to determine its role in glioblastoma treatments. The effect of ATP1A1 on the sensitivity of glioblastoma cells to Bufalin was investigated using MTT assays, RT-PCR and siRNA. Western blot was also used to explore the important roles of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in the Bufalin-mediated inhibition of ATP1A1. Xenografted mice were used to examine the anti-tumor activity of Bufalin in vivo. LC-MS/MS analysis was performed to determine the ability of Bufalin to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The results indicated that Bufalin inhibited the expression of ATP1A1 in glioblastoma by promoting the activation of proteasomes and the subsequent protein degradation of ATP1A1, while Bufalin had no effect on ATP1A1 protein synthesis. Bufalin also inhibited the expression of ATP1A1 in xenografted mice and significantly suppressed tumor growth. These data should contribute to future basic and clinical investigations of Bufalin. In conclusion, Bufalin significantly inhibited the expression of ATP1A1 in glioblastoma cells by activating the ubiquitin-proteasome signaling pathway. Bufalin may therefore have the potential to be an effective anti-glioma drug for human glioblastoma in the future.

Na+/K+-ATPase interaction with methylglyoxal as reactive metabolic side product

Proteins are subject to oxidative modification and the formation of adducts with a broad spectrum of reactive species via enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. Here we report that in vitro non-enzymatic methylglyoxal (MGO) binding causes the inhibition and formation of MGO advanced glycation end-products (MAGEs) in Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA). Concretely, MGO adducts with NKA amino acid residues (mainly Arg) and N^ε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) formation were found. MGO is not only an inhibitor for solubilized NKA (IC₅₀=91±16μM), but also for reconstituted NKA in the lipid bilayer environment, which was clearly demonstrated using a DPPC/DPPE liposome model in the presence or absence of the NKA-selective inhibitor ouabain. High-resolution mass spectrometric analysis of a tryptic digest of NKA isolated from pig (Sus scrofa) kidney indicates that the intracellular α-subunit is naturally (post-translationally) modified by MGO in vivo. In contrast to this, the β-subunit could only be modified by MGO artificially, and the transmembrane part of the protein did not undergo MGO binding under the experimental setup used. As with bovine serum albumin, serving as the water-soluble model, we also demonstrated a high binding capacity of MGO to water-poorly soluble NKA using a multi-spectral methodology based on electroanalytical, immunochemical and fluorimetric tools. In addition, a partial suppression of the MGO-mediated inhibitory effect could be observed in the presence of aminoguanidine (pimagedine), a glycation suppressor and MGO-scavenger. All the results here were obtained with the X-ray structure of NKA in the E1 conformation (3WGV) and could be used in the further interpretation of the functionality of this key enzyme in the presence of highly-reactive metabolic side-products, glycation agents and generally under oxidative stress conditions.

Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the anoxic turtle (Trachemys scripta) brain at different acclimation temperature

Survival of prolonged anoxia requires a balance between cellular ATP demand and anaerobic ATP supply from glycolysis, especially in critical tissues such as the brain. To add insight into the ATP demand of the brain of the anoxia-tolerant red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta) during prolonged periods of anoxic submergence, we quantified and compared the number of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase units and their molecular activity in brain tissue from turtles acclimated to either 21°C or 5°C and exposed to either normoxia or anoxia (6h 21°C; 14days at 5°C). Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity and density per g tissue were similar at 21°C and 5°C in normoxic turtles. Likewise, anoxia exposure at 21°C did not induce any change in Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity or density. In contrast, prolonged anoxia at 5°C significantly reduced Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity by 55%, which was largely driven by a 50% reduction of the number of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase units without a change in the activity of existing Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase pumps or α-subunit composition. These findings are consistent with the "channel arrest" hypothesis to reduce turtle brain Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity during prolonged, but not short-term anoxia, a change that likely helps them overwinter under low temperature, anoxic conditions.

Uroguanylin modulates (Na++K+)ATPase in a proximal tubule cell line: Interactions among the cGMP/protein kinase G, cAMP/protein kinase A, and mTOR pathways

BACKGROUND

The natriuretic effect of uroguanylin (UGN) involves reduction of proximal tubule (PT) sodium reabsorption. However, the target sodium transporters as well as the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes remain poorly understood.

METHODS

To address the effects of UGN on PT (Na(+)+K(+))ATPase and the signal transduction pathways involved in this effect, we used LLC-PK1 cells. The effects of UGN were determined through ouabain-sensitive ATP hydrolysis and immunoblotting assays during different experimental conditions.

RESULTS

We observed that UGN triggers cGMP/PKG and cAMP/PKA pathways in a sequential way. The activation of PKA leads to the inhibition of mTORC2 activity, PKB phosphorylation at S473, PKB activity and, consequently, a decrease in the mTORC1/S6K pathway. The final effects are decreased expression of the α1 subunit of (Na(+)+K(+))ATPase and inhibition of enzyme activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the molecular mechanism of action of UGN on sodium reabsorption in PT cells is more complex than previously thought. We propose that PKG-dependent activation of PKA leads to the inhibition of the mTORC2/PKB/mTORC1/S6K pathway, an important signaling pathway involved in the maintenance of the PT sodium pump expression and activity.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The current results expand our understanding of the signal transduction pathways involved in the overall effect of UGN on renal sodium excretion.

Stimulation of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase Activity as a Possible Driving Force in Cholesterol Evolution

Cholesterol is exclusively produced by animals and is present in the plasma membrane of all animal cells. In contrast, the membranes of fungi and plants contain other sterols. To explain the exclusive preference of animal cells for cholesterol, we propose that cholesterol may have evolved to optimize the activity of a crucial protein found in the plasma membrane of all multicellular animals, namely the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase. To test this hypothesis, mirror tree and phylogenetic distribution analyses have been conducted of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and 3β-hydroxysterol Δ(24)-reductase (DHCR24), the last enzyme in the Bloch cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. The results obtained support the hypothesis of a co-evolution of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and DHCR24. The evolutionary correlation between DHCR24 and the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase was found to be stronger than between DHCR24 and any other membrane protein investigated. The results obtained, thus, also support the hypothesis that cholesterol evolved together with the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in multicellular animals to support Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity.

Genome sequence of the marine flavobacterium Croceitalea dokdonensis DOKDO 023 that contains proton- and sodium-pumping rhodopsins

Bacteroidetes are considered as efficient degraders of the high-molecular-weight particulate organic matter that is present in the marine environment. Here, we report the first genome sequence of the genus Croceitalea that belongs to Flavobacteriia. Gratifying the reputation, the genome of Croceitalea dokdonensis DOKDO 023 encodes many hydrolytic enzymes for utilizing biopolymers, mainly polysaccharides and proteins. The genome also harbors two genes for microbial rhodopsins, proteorhodopsin and a recently discovered sodium pump. This research provides a genetic basis for better understanding of Croceitalea, as well as insights into the strategies adapted by a rhodopsin-containing photoheterotroph to thrive in the marine environment.

Membrane accessibility of glutathione

Regulation of the ion pumping activity of the Na+,K+-ATPase is crucial to the survival of animal cells. Recent evidence has suggested that the activity of the enzyme could be controlled by glutathionylation of cysteine residue 45 of the β-subunit. Crystal structures so far available indicate that this cysteine is in a transmembrane domain of the protein. Here we have analysed via fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy as well as molecular dynamics simulations whether glutathione is able to penetrate into the interior of a lipid membrane. No evidence for any penetration of glutathione into the membrane was found. Therefore, the most likely mechanism whereby the cysteine residue could become glutathionylated is via a loosening of the α-β subunit association, creating a hydrophilic passageway between them to allow access of glutathione to the cysteine residue. By such a mechanism, glutathionylation of the protein would be expected to anchor the modified cysteine residue in a hydrophilic environment, inhibiting further motion of the β-subunit during the enzyme's catalytic cycle and suppressing enzymatic activity, as has been experimentally observed. The results obtained, therefore, suggest a possible structural mechanism of how the Na+,K+-ATPase could be regulated by glutathione.

Parallel ionoregulatory adjustments underlie phenotypic plasticity and evolution of Drosophila cold tolerance

Low temperature tolerance is the main predictor of variation in the global distribution and performance of insects, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance variation are poorly known, and it is unclear whether the mechanisms that improve cold tolerance within the lifetime of an individual insect are similar to those that underlie evolved differences among species. The accumulation of cold-induced injuries by hemimetabolous insects is associated with loss of Na(+) and K(+) homeostasis. Here we show that this model holds true for Drosophila; cold exposure increases haemolymph [K(+)] in D. melanogaster, and cold-acclimated flies maintain low haemolymph [Na(+)] and [K(+)], both at rest and during a cold exposure. This pattern holds across 24 species of the Drosophila phylogeny, where improvements in cold tolerance have been consistently paired with reductions in haemolymph [Na(+)] and [K(+)]. Cold-acclimated D. melanogaster have low activity of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, which may contribute to the maintenance of low haemolymph [Na(+)] and underlie improvements in cold tolerance. Modifications to ion balance are associated with both phenotypic plasticity within D. melanogaster and evolutionary differences in cold tolerance across the Drosophila phylogeny, which suggests that adaptation and acclimation of cold tolerance in insects may occur through similar mechanisms. Cold-tolerant flies maintain haemolymph osmolality despite low haemolymph [Na(+)] and [K(+)], possibly through modest accumulations of organic osmolytes. We propose that this could have served as an evolutionary route by which chill-susceptible insects developed more extreme cold tolerance strategies.

Long-term decrease in Na+,K+-ATPase activity after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus is associated with nitration of its alpha subunit

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of epilepsy with about one third of TLE patients being refractory to antiepileptic drugs. Knowledge about the mechanisms underlying seizure activity is fundamental to the discovery of new drug targets. Brain Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity contributes to the maintenance of the electrochemical gradients underlying neuronal resting and action potentials as well as the uptake and release of neurotransmitters. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that decreased Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity is associated with changes in the alpha subunit phosphorylation and/or redox state. Activity of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase decreased in the hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice 60 days after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE). In addition, the Michaelis-Menten constant for ATP of α2/3 isoforms increased at the same time point. Nitration of the α subunit may underlie decreased Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity, however no changes in expression or phosphorylation state at Ser(943) were found. Further studies are necessary define the potential of nitrated Na(+),K(+)-ATPase as a new therapeutic target for seizure disorders.

Feeding induces translocation of vacuolar proton ATPase and pendrin to the membrane of leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) mitochondrion-rich gill cells

In this study we characterized mitochondrion-rich (MR) cells and regulation of acid/base (A/B) relevant ion-transporting proteins in leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) gills. Immunohistochemistry revealed that leopard shark gills posses two separate cell populations that abundantly express either Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) or V-H⁺-ATPase (VHA), but not both ATPases together. Co-immunolocalization with mitochondrial Complex IV demonstrated, for the first time in shark gills, that both NKA- and VHA-rich cells are also MR cells, and that all MR cells are either NKA- or VHA-rich cells. Additionally we localized the anion exchanger pendrin to VHA-rich cells, but not NKA-rich cells. In starved sharks, VHA was localized throughout the cell cytoplasm and pendrin was present at the apical pole (but not in the membrane). However, in a significant number of gill cells from fed leopard sharks, VHA translocated to the basolateral membrane (as previously described in dogfish), and pendrin translocated to the apical membrane. Our results highlight the importance of translocation of ion-transporting proteins to the cell membrane as a regulatory mechanism for A/B regulation.

Inhibition of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and cytotoxicity of a few selected gold(III) complexes

Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase is in charge of maintaining the ionic and osmotic intracellular balance by using ATP as an energy source to drive excess Na(+) ions out of the cell in exchange for K(+) ions. We explored whether three representative cytotoxic gold(III) compounds might interfere with Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and cause its inhibition at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. The tested complexes were [Au(bipy)(OH)2][PF6] (bipy=2,2'-bipyridine), [Au(py(dmb)-H)(CH3COO)2] (py(dmb)-H=deprotonated 6-(1,1-dimethylbenzyl)-pyridine), and [Au(bipy(dmb)-H)(OH)][PF6] (bipy(dmb)-H=deprotonated 6-(1,1-dimethylbenzyl)-2,2'-bipyridine). We found that all of them caused a pronounced and similar inhibition of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity. Inhibition was found to be non-competitive and reversible. Remarkably, treatment with cysteine resulted in reversal or prevention of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibition. It is very likely that the described effects may contribute to the overall cytotoxic profile of these gold complexes.

Individual and combined haematotoxic effects of fumonisin B(1) and T-2 mycotoxins in rabbits

Weaned rabbits were fed diets contaminated with 2 mg/kg diet T-2 toxin alone, or 10 mg/kg diet fumonisin B1 (FB1) alone, and both toxins in combination (2+10 mg/kg, resp.), as compared to a toxin free control. Samplings were performed after 2 and 4 weeks. Bodyweight of the T-2 fed group was lower after 4 weeks; the liver weight increased dramatically. Red blood cell (RBC) Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity decreased after 4 weeks in the T-2 group, it increased in the FB1 group and antagonism was found by the combined treatment. The RBC membrane fatty acid profile was modified by both toxins similarly during the entire feeding. After 4 weeks T-2 alone and in combination (with FB1) was found to increase mean cell volume (MCV). The time-dependent alterations in the T-2 group were significant for MCV (increase) and the mean cell haemoglobin (increase). The active monovalent cation transport was altered by both mycotoxins. Most probably FB1 exerts its sodium pump activity modification via an altered ceramide metabolism (behenic acid decrease in the RBC membrane), while for T-2 toxin a moderate membrane disruption and enzyme (protein) synthesis inhibition was supposed (ca. 75% decrease of the sodium pump activity).

Regulation and pharmacological blockade of sodium-potassium ATPase: a novel pathway to neuropathy

Inflammation causes upregulation of NaV1.7 sodium channels in the associated dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The resultant increase in sodium influx must be countered to maintain osmotic homeostasis. The primary mechanism to pump sodium out of neurons is Na(+), K(+)-ATPase. To test whether there is a compensatory upregulation of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase after inflammation, rats received an injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into one hindpaw and saline into the contralateral hindpaw. Three days later, L4-L6 DRGs were extracted and analyzed using gel electrophoresis and immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactivity for both the α-1 and α-3 subunits were increased in DRG associated with CFA-treatment, compared to saline-treatment. To test whether dysregulation of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase may cause cell death after inflammation, we produced a pharmacological blockade with ouabain (10mg/kg, s.c.) three days after CFA injection and paws were stimulated or not. Twenty-four hours later, DRG were removed and stained with cresyl violet. Greater cell death was seen in DRG from ouabain-treated animals on the CFA treated side than the saline-treated side. Paw stimulation doubled this difference. Control DRG showed little neuronal death. These results are evidence that regulation of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase during major inflammatory disease states is critical for homeostatic protection of primary afferent neurons.

Novel regulation of cardiac Na pump via phospholemman

As the only quantitatively significant Na efflux pathway from cardiac cells, the Na/K ATPase (Na pump) is the primary regulator of intracellular Na. The transmembrane Na gradient it establishes is essential for normal electrical excitability, numerous coupled-transport processes and, as the driving force for Na/Ca exchange, thus setting cardiac Ca load and contractility. As Na influx varies with electrical excitation, heart rate and pathology, the dynamic regulation of Na efflux is essential. It is now widely recognized that phospholemman, a 72 amino acid accessory protein which forms part of the Na pump complex, is the key nexus linking cellular signaling to pump regulation. Phospholemman is the target of a variety of post-translational modifications (including phosphorylation, palmitoylation and glutathionation) and these can dynamically alter the activity of the Na pump. This review summarizes our current understanding of the multiple regulatory mechanisms that converge on phospholemman and govern NA pump activity in the heart. The corrected Fig. 4 is reproduced below. The publisher would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused. [corrected].

Nitric oxide regulates cardiac intracellular Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ by modulating Na/K ATPase via PKCε and phospholemman-dependent mechanism

In the heart, Na/K-ATPase regulates intracellular Na⁺ and Ca^2 + (via NCX), thereby preventing Na⁺ and Ca^2 + overload and arrhythmias. Here, we test the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) regulates cardiac intracellular Na⁺ and Ca^2 + and investigate mechanisms and physiological consequences involved. Effects of both exogenous NO (via NO-donors) and endogenously synthesized NO (via field-stimulation of ventricular myocytes) were assessed in this study. Field stimulation of rat ventricular myocytes significantly increased endogenous NO (18 ± 2 μM), PKCε activation (82 ± 12%), phospholemman phosphorylation (at Ser-63 and Ser-68) and Na/K-ATPase activity (measured by DAF-FM dye, western-blotting and biochemical assay, respectively; p < 0.05, n = 6) and all were abolished by Ca^2 +-chelation (EGTA 10 mM) or NOS inhibition l-NAME (1 mM). Exogenously added NO (spermine-NONO-ate) stimulated Na/K-ATPase (EC50 = 3.8 μM; n = 6/grp), via decrease in K_m, in PLM^WT but not PLM^KO or PLM^3SA myocytes (where phospholemman cannot be phosphorylated) as measured by whole-cell perforated-patch clamp. Field-stimulation with l-NAME or PKC-inhibitor (2 μM Bis) resulted in elevated intracellular Na⁺ (22 ± 1.5 and 24 ± 2 respectively, vs. 14 ± 0.6 mM in controls) in SBFI-AM-loaded rat myocytes. Arrhythmia incidence was significantly increased in rat hearts paced in the presence of l-NAME (and this was reversed by l-arginine), as well as in PLM^3SA mouse hearts but not PLM^WT and PLM^KO. We provide physiological and biochemical evidence for a novel regulatory pathway whereby NO activates Na/K-ATPase via phospholemman phosphorylation and thereby limits Na⁺ and Ca^2 + overload and arrhythmias. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled “Na⁺ Regulation in Cardiac Myocytes”.

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We tested whether nitric oxide regulates intracellular Na⁺ and Ca^2 + in the heart.

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Nitric oxide increased Na/K ATPase activity via PKCε-induced phospholemman phosphorylation.

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Inhibiting nitric oxide pathway resulted in Na⁺ and Ca^2 + overload and contributed to arrhythmia development in the heart.