Cell-specific expression of three members of the FXYD family along the renal tubule.

: The gamma subunit of Na/K/ATPase is a small membrane protein that shares homologies with other members of the FXYD family, like phospholemman and CHIF (corticosteroid hormone-induced factor). Both the gamma subunit and CHIF modulate sodium pump properties. The gamma subunit increases the apparent affinity of the pump for ATP and reduces its apparent affinity for sodium. CHIF, in contrast, augments its apparent affinity for sodium. Gamma subunit expression is essentially restricted to the kidney, with two main splice variants, γa and γb, which differ only at their extracellular N-termini. We have investigated in detail the cell-specific expression of the two splice variants of gamma within the kidney and compared it to that of CHIF. While both gamma variants affect catalytic properties of the pump (without detectable difference between a and b forms), their localization along the nephron is partially distinct. Both variants are coexpressed in the proximal tubule and in the medullary part of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TAL). In contrast, their expression differs in the downstream tubular segments. Within the renal cortex, the sole gamma a variant was found in macula densa cells and in principal cells of the initial parts of the collecting duct. Gamma b is in the cortical part of the TAL. Outer and inner medullary collecting ducts lack detectable gamma expression. These latter nephron segments express CHIF, and no overlap between gamma and CHIF expression along the nephron was observed. Such distinct cell-specific expression argues for complementary roles to modulate Na/K/ATPase activity.