Tag Archives: signal transduction

Na(+), K(+)-ATPase, endogenous cardiotonic steroids and their transducing role

O. V. Tsymbalyuk1, S. O. Kosterin2

1Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University, Ukraine;
2Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Science of Ukraine, Kyiv;
e-mail: otsimbal@univ.kiev.ua

Na+, K+-ATPase – a protein complex of plasmatic membrane, which performs the dual function: firstly, it supports the Na+ and K+ homeostasis, and also transmembrane potential gradient, secondly, it serves as the transducer of signals and as the regulator of the expression of many key genes. Endogenous cardiotonic steroids, which are synthesized in the adrenal glands and hypothalamus, serve as the signal molecules. New concepts about the mechanisms of the realization of the Na+, K+-ATPase signal function and their connection with cellular functions, apoptosis, and with pathologies of cardiovascular system and water-salt homeostasis are described in the survey.