ATP steal between cation pumps: A mechanism linking Na+ influx to the onset of necrotic Ca2+ overload

J. Castro, I. Ruminot, O. H. Porras, C. M. Flores, T. Hermosilla, E. Verdugo, F. Venegas, S. Härtel, L. Michea, L. F. Barros

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20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We set out to identify molecular mechanisms underlying the onset of necrotic Ca2+ overload, triggered in two epithelial cell lines by oxidative stress or metabolic depletion. As reported earlier, the overload was inhibited by extracellular Ca2+ chelation and the cation channel blocker gadolinium. However, the surface permeability to Ca2+ was reduced by 60%, thus discarding a role for Ca2+ channel/carrier activation. Instead, we registered a collapse of the plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase (PMCA). Remarkably, inhibition of the Na+/K+ ATPase rescued the PMCA and reverted the Ca2+ rise. Thermodynamic considerations suggest that the Ca2+ overload develops when the Na+/K+ ATPase, by virtue of the Na+ overload, clamps the ATP phosphorylation potential below the minimum required by the PMCA. In addition to providing the mechanism for the onset of Ca2+ overload, the crosstalk between cation pumps offers a novel explanation for the role of Na+ in cell death.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1675-1685
Number of pages11
JournalCell Death and Differentiation
Volume13
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Oct 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • HeLa cells
  • MDCK cells
  • Metabolic stress
  • Na/K ATPase
  • Necrosis
  • Oxidative stress
  • PMCA

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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