The heterotetrameric architecture of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a key element for the maintenance of sodium balance and the regulation of blood pressure. Three homologous ENaC subunits (α, β and γ) assemble to form a highly Na+‐selective channel. However, the subunit stoichiometry of ENaC has not yet been solved. Quantitative analysis of cell surface expression of ENaC α, β and γ subunits shows that they assemble according to a fixed stoichiometry, with α ENaC as the most abundant subunit. Functional assays based on differential sensitivities to channel blockers elicited by mutations tagging each α, β and γ subunit are consistent with a four subunit stoichiometry composed of two α, one β and one γ. Expression of concatameric cDNA constructs made of different combinations of ENaC subunits confirmed the four subunit channel stoichiometry and showed that the arrangement of the subunits around the channel pore consists of two α subunits separated by β and γ subunits.