Na/K-ATPase: Their role in cell adhesion and migration in cancer

• Published in: Biochimie Vol. 185; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Authors: Silva, Camila Ignácio da, Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque, Cassiano Felippe, Moraes, Bianca Portugal Tavares de, Garcia, Diogo Gomes, Burth, Patrícia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier B.V 01.06.2021
• Subjects: Cancer; Cell adhesion; Migration; Motility; Na/K-ATPase (NKA); Na/K-ATPase (NKA); Motility; Migration; Cell adhesion; Cancer
• ISSN: 0300-9084; 1638-6183
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.03.002

Na/K-ATPase (NKA) is a p-type transmembrane enzyme formed by three different subunits (α, β, and γ gamma). Primarily responsible for transporting sodium and potassium through the cell membrane, it also plays a critical role in intracellular signaling. The activation of diverse intracellular pathways may trigger cell death, survival, or even cell proliferation. Changes in the NKA functions or expression in isoforms subunits impact pathological conditions, such as cancer. The NKA function affects cell adhesion, motility, and migration, which are different in the physiological and pathological states. All enzyme subunits take part in the cell adhesion process, with the β subunit being the most studied. Thus, herein we aim to highlight NKA′ central role in cell adhesion, motility, and migration in cancer cells. [Display omitted] •Na/K-ATPase has a central role in cell adhesion, motility, and migration in cancer cells.•Changes in the NKA functions or expression in isoforms subunits impact pathological conditions, such as cancer.•Activation on intracellular pathways associated with NKA may trigger cell death, survival, or even cell proliferation.•NKA inhibition or activation alters invasive cancer cell development.•NKA subunits’ role in cell migration and adhesion makes NKA a promising target for anticancer drugs.