Mechanism of extracellular ion exchange and binding-site occlusion in the sodium-calcium exchanger

Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchangers utilize the Na(+) electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane to extrude intracellular Ca(2+), and play a central role in Ca(2+) homeostasis. Here, we elucidate their mechanisms of extracellular ion recognition and exchange through a structural analysis of the exchanger from Methanococcus jannaschii (NCX_Mj) bound to Na(+), Ca(2+) or Sr(2+) in various occupancies and in an apo state. This analysis defines the binding mode and relative affinity of these ions, establishes the structural basis for the anticipated 3Na(+):1Ca(2+) exchange stoichiometry, and reveals the conformational changes at the onset of the alternating-access transport mechanism. An independent analysis of the dynamics and conformational free-energy landscape of NCX_Mj in different ion-occupancy states, based on enhanced-sampling molecular-dynamics simulations, demonstrates that the crystal structures reflect mechanistically relevant, interconverting conformations. These calculations also reveal the mechanism by which the outward-to-inward transition is controlled by the ion-occupancy state, thereby explaining the emergence of strictly-coupled Na(+)/Ca(2+) antiport.