Function of FXYD Proteins, Regulators of Na, K-ATPase

In this short review, we summarize our work on the role of members of the FXYD protein family as tissue-specific modulators of Na, K-ATPase. FXYD1 or phospholemman, mainly expressed in heart and skeletal muscle increases the apparent affinity for intracellular Na+ of Na, K-ATPase and may thus be important for appropriate muscle contractility. FXYD2 or γ subunit and FXYD4 or CHIF modulate the apparent affinity for Na+ of Na, K-ATPase in an opposite way, adapted to the physiological needs of Na+ reabsorption in different segments of the renal tubule. FXYD3 expressed in stomach, colon, and numerous tumors also modulates the transport properties of Na, K-ATPase but it has a lower specificity of association than other FXYD proteins and an unusual membrane topology. Finally, FXYD7 is exclusively expressed in the brain and decreases the apparent affinity for extracellular K+, which may be essential for proper neuronal excitability.