Isoform-specific interactions of Na,K-ATPase subunits are mediated via extracellular domains and carbohydrates

The functional unit of the Na,K-ATPase consists of a catalytic α subunit noncovalently linked with a glycoprotein subunit, β. Using ouabain binding assays and immunoprecipitation of rodent α/β complexes, we show here that all six possible isozymes between three α and two β isoforms can be formed in Xenopus oocytes. Two isoform-specific differences in α/β interactions are observed: (i) α1/β1 and α2/β2 complexes, in contrast to α1/β2 complexes, are stable against Triton X-100-mediated dissociation, and (ii) β2 subunits must carry N-glycans to combine with α1 but not with α2. The interacting surfaces are mainly exposed to the extracellular side because coexpression of a truncated β1 subunit comprising the ectodomain results in assembly with α1 and α2, but not with α3; the β2 ectodomain combines with α2 only. A chimera consisting of 81% and 19% of the α1 N terminus and α2 C terminus, respectively, behaves like α2 and coprecipitates with the β2 ectodomain. In contrast, the reciprocal chimera does not coprecipitate with the β2 ectodomain. These results provide evidence for a selective interaction of Na,K-ATPase α and β subunits.