Na+/K+-ATPase: ion pump, signal transducer, or cytoprotective protein, and novel biological functions

Na+/K+-ATPase is a transmembrane protein that has important roles in the maintenance of electrochemical gradients across cell membranes by transporting three Na+ out of and two K+ into cells. Additionally, Na+/K+-ATPase participates in Ca2+-signaling transduction and neurotransmitter release by coordinating the ion concentration gradient across the cell membrane. Na+/K+-ATPase works synergistically with multiple ion channels in the cell membrane to form a dynamic network of ion homeostatic regulation and affects cellular communication by regulating chemical signals and the ion balance among different types of cells. Therefore, it is not surprising that Na+/K+-ATPase dysfunction has emerged as a risk factor for a variety of neurological diseases. However, published studies have so far only elucidated the important roles of Na+/K+-ATPase dysfunction in disease development, and we are lacking detailed mechanisms to clarify how Na+/K+-ATPase affects cell function. Our recent studies revealed that membrane loss of Na+/K+-ATPase is a key mechanism in many neurological disorders, particularly stroke and Parkinson’s disease. Stabilization of plasma membrane Na+/K+-ATPase with an antibody is a novel strategy to treat these diseases. For this reason, Na+/K+-ATPase acts not only as a simple ion pump but also as a sensor/regulator or cytoprotective protein, participating in signal transduction such as neuronal autophagy and apoptosis, and glial cell migration. Thus, the present review attempts to summarize the novel biological functions of Na+/K+-ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase-related pathogenesis. The potential for novel strategies to treat Na+/K+-ATPase-related brain diseases will also be discussed.