Function and regulation of the Na+,K+-ATPase. The Na+,K+-ATPase is the major energy-consuming enzyme of animal cells. Its ion pumping is essential for numerous physiological functions (e.g. heart, kidney, brain). Molecular detail of its pumping mechanism is, however, lacking and its regulation is still unclear. We will use rapid reaction methods on purified enzyme in vitro to locate the rate-determining step of the enzyme cycle, determine its mechanism, investigate its regulation by sodium conce ....Function and regulation of the Na+,K+-ATPase. The Na+,K+-ATPase is the major energy-consuming enzyme of animal cells. Its ion pumping is essential for numerous physiological functions (e.g. heart, kidney, brain). Molecular detail of its pumping mechanism is, however, lacking and its regulation is still unclear. We will use rapid reaction methods on purified enzyme in vitro to locate the rate-determining step of the enzyme cycle, determine its mechanism, investigate its regulation by sodium concentration, phosphorylation and membrane composition, and isolate its charge-transporting steps. The results will have immediate impact on the understanding of the enzyme's mechanism, its metabolic control and its role in disease.Read moreRead less