Regulation of Na+/K+ ATPase transport velocity by RNA editing.

Because firing properties and metabolic rates vary widely, neurons require different transport rates from their Na(+)/K(+) pumps in order to maintain ion homeostasis. In this study we show that Na(+)/K(+) pump activity is tightly regulated by a novel process, RNA editing. Three codons within the squ...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Claudia Colina, Juan Pablo Palavicini, Deepa Srikumar, Miguel Holmgren, Joshua J C Rosenthal
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2010-11-01
Series:PLoS Biology
Online Access:http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC2990702?pdf=render
Description
Summary:Because firing properties and metabolic rates vary widely, neurons require different transport rates from their Na(+)/K(+) pumps in order to maintain ion homeostasis. In this study we show that Na(+)/K(+) pump activity is tightly regulated by a novel process, RNA editing. Three codons within the squid Na(+)/K(+) ATPase gene can be recoded at the RNA level, and the efficiency of conversion for each varies dramatically, and independently, between tissues. At one site, a highly conserved isoleucine in the seventh transmembrane span can be converted to a valine, a change that shifts the pump's intrinsic voltage dependence. Mechanistically, the removal of a single methyl group specifically targets the process of Na(+) release to the extracellular solution, causing a higher turnover rate at the resting membrane potential.
ISSN:1544-9173
1545-7885