Na(+), K(+)-ATPase (NKA) is well known for its function as an ion pump. Studies during the last decade have revealed an additional role for NKA as a signal transducer. In this brief review, we describe how cardiotonic steroids, which are highly specific NKA ligands, trigger slow Ca(2+) oscillations by promoting the interaction between NKA and the inositol trisphosphate receptor, and how this Ca(2+) signal activates the NF-κB subunit p65 and increases the expression of the antiapoptotic factor Bcl-xL. The potential tissue-protective effects of this signal are discussed.
Keywords: Ca2+ signaling; NF-κB; Na+-K+-ATPase; Src kinase; apoptosis; cardiotonic steroids; inositol trisphosphate receptor; intracellular Ca2+ oscillations; organ development; ouabain.
© 2013 FEBS.