A novel P-type ATPase from yeast involved in sodium transport.

The gene ENA1 was cloned by its ability to complement the Li+ sensitivity of a low Li(+)-efflux strain. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned DNA fragment showed that there are two almost identical genes in tandem, and predicts that they encode P-ATPases. Disruption of both genes originated a strain defective in Na+ and Li+ effluxes, and sensitive to Na+, to Li+ and to alkaline pH. By transformation with ENA1 the defective effluxes and tolerances were repaired.