Characterisation of a phosphatase binding site on the cardiac phosphoprotein FXYD1

The sodium pump is a cell membrane protein whose job is to transport sodium out of the cell: its activity is crucial for normal cell function. The sodium pump also plays a critical role in regulating the strength of heart muscle contraction. We have identified a protein (FXYD1) that provides the link between hormone stimulation and changes in sodium pump function. Evidence suggests that the FXYD1/sodium pump complex is defective in some forms of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this project is to investigate one of the mechanisms in cells that controls how FXYD1 regulates the sodium pump.