This is the catalytic component of the active enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP coupled with the exchange of sodium and potassium ions across the plasma membrane. This action creates the electrochemical gradient of sodium and potassium ions, providing the energy for active transport of various nutrients (PubMed:29499166, PubMed:30388404). Could also be part of an osmosensory signaling pathway that senses body-fluid sodium levels and controls salt intake behavior as well as voluntary water intake to regulate sodium homeostasis (By similarity)

The sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase is composed of a catalytic alpha subunit, an auxiliary non-catalytic beta subunit and an additional regulatory subunit. Interacts with regulatory subunit FXYD1 (By similarity). Interacts with regulatory subunit FXYD3 (PubMed:21454534).

Interacts with SIK1 (By similarity). Binds the HLA class II histocompatibility antigen DR1 (PubMed:1380674). Interacts with SLC35G1 and STIM1 (PubMed:22084111).

Interacts with CLN3; this interaction regulates the sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase complex localization at the plasma membrane (Probable). Interacts with SCN7A; activates ATP1A1 P-type sodium:potassium-exchanging transporter activity which indirectly signals to nearby neurons to regulate sodium homeostasis (By similarity)

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, axonal, type 2DD (CMT2DD)

  A dominant axonal form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a disorder of the peripheral nervous system, characterized by progressive weakness and atrophy, initially of the peroneal muscles and later of the distal muscles of the arms. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is classified in two main groups on the basis of electrophysiologic properties and histopathology: primary peripheral demyelinating neuropathies (designated CMT1 when they are dominantly inherited) and primary peripheral axonal neuropathies (CMT2). Neuropathies of the CMT2 group are characterized by signs of axonal degeneration in the absence of obvious myelin alterations, normal or slightly reduced nerve conduction velocities, and progressive distal muscle weakness and atrophy.

• Hypomagnesemia, seizures, and impaired intellectual development 2 (HOMGSMR2)

  An autosomal dominant disease characterized by generalized seizures in infancy, severe hypomagnesemia, and renal magnesium wasting. Seizures persist despite magnesium supplementation and are associated with significant intellectual disability.