ATP4A Proteins

Protein Information

The ATP4A gene encodes the alpha subunit of the gastric H+/K+ ATPase, an enzyme crucial for gastric acid secretion in the stomach. This proton pump resides in the parietal cells of the gastric mucosa and is responsible for exchanging potassium ions (K+) for hydrogen ions (H+), effectively acidifying the stomach contents. ATP4A plays a significant role in maintaining the acidic environment necessary for digestion and defense against pathogens. The ATPase's activity is tightly regulated by various factors, including hormones like gastrin and histamine, to ensure optimal stomach function. Mutations in ATP4A can lead to disorders related to gastric acidity, such as hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), which can impact digestion and absorption of nutrients. Understanding ATP4A's function and its regulatory mechanisms is essential for developing treatments for conditions like peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease, where gastric acid secretion is disrupted.

Synonyms

ATP4A; ATP6A; ATPase H+/K+ transporting alpha subunit; ATPase, H+/K+ exchanging, alpha polypeptide; ATPase, H+/K+ transporting, alpha polypeptide; gastric H(+)/K(+) ATPase subunit alpha; gastric H,K-ATPase alpha subunit; gastric H,K-ATPase catalytic subunit; gastric H+/K+ ATPase alpha subunit; gastric hydrogen-potassium ATPase; H(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha subunit; potassium-transporting ATPase alpha chain 1; Proton pump