Na,K-ATPase Expression In The Epithelial Layer of the Lens

Authors

Karen Merrell, Brigham Young University
Dr. Steven W. Graves, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Na, K-ATPase, epithelial layer, lens, bovine lens epithelial cells, BLEC

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Abstract

Na,K-ATPase is a multi-subunit protein that uses ATP to pump Na+ ions out of the cell and K+ ions into the cell. Multiple isoforms of each subunit of Na,K-ATPase have been identified, but the á subunit of Na,K-ATPase plays the most important functional role and has been the most widely studied. Within the lens, Na,K-ATPase is most concentrated in the outer epithelial layer. To study changes in Na,K-ATPase levels I cultured bovine lens epithelial cells (BLEC), and incubated them with various hormones. The abundance of the á3 isoform of Na,K-ATPase was determined by Western blot protein gel electrophoresis using specific monoclonal antibodies to measure the quantity of the á3 isoform.

Recommended Citation

Merrell, Karen and Graves, Dr. Steven W. (2014) "Na,K-ATPase Expression In The Epithelial Layer of the Lens," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 1163.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/1163