We have used a cloned fusion protein as antigen to generate an antiserum specific for the rat Na,K-ATPase beta 2 subunit. Utilizing this antiserum, we analyzed some of the structural features and tissue distribution of the beta 2 subunit. Treatment of a rat brain microsomal membrane fraction with N-glycanase F revealed that the beta 2 subunit is composed of an approximately 32 kDa core protein and at least two N-linked carbohydrate chains. The beta 2 subunit also was found to copurify with ouabain-inhibitable Na,K-ATPase activity from rat brain. Western blot analysis of rat tissue microsomes showed that beta 2 subunits were expressed in brain, pineal gland, and thymus. However, no beta 2 subunits were detected in kidney, heart, spleen, liver, mammary gland, or lung. These results suggest that the beta 2 subunit is a functional component of the rat brain Na,K-ATPase. The restricted tissue distribution of beta 2 subunits may reflect important differences in the functions of individual beta subunit isoforms.
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Shyjan et al. (1990) studied this question.
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