The second sodium pump: from the function to the gene

Transepithelial Na+ transport is mediated by passive Na+ entry across the luminal membrane and exit through the basolateral membrane by two active mechanisms: the Na+/K+ pump and the second sodium pump. These processes are associated with the ouabain-sensitive Na+/K+-ATPase and the ouabain-insensitive, furosemide-inhibitable Na+-ATPase, respectively. Over the last 40 years, the second sodium pump has not been successfully associated with any particular membrane protein. Recently, however, purification and cloning of intestinal α-subunit of the Na+-ATPase from guinea pig allowed us to define it as a unique biochemical and molecular entity. The Na+- and Na+/K+-ATPase genes are at the same locus, atp1a1, but have independent promoters and some different exons. Herein, we spotlight the functional characteristics of the second sodium pump, and the associated Na+-ATPase, in the context of its role in transepithelial transport and its response to a variety of physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Identification of the Na+-ATPase gene (atna) allowed us, using a bioinformatics approach, to explore the tertiary structure of the protein in relation to other P-type ATPases and to predict regulatory sites in the promoter region. Potential regulatory sites linked to inflammation and cellular stress were identified in the atna gene. In addition, a human atna ortholog was recognized. Finally, experimental data obtained using spontaneously hypertensive rats suggest that the Na+-ATPase could play a role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Thus, the participation of the second sodium pump in transepithelial Na+ transport and cellular Na+ homeostasis leads us to reconsider its role in health and disease.