The function of Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000163399 (ATP1A1, ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit alpha 1) is as follows. Catalytic subunit of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase pump that hydrolyzes ATP to exchange ions across the plasma membrane, exporting 3 Na(+) and importing 2 K(+) per cycle against electrochemical gradients (PubMed:29499166, PubMed:30388404, PubMed:35803952). It undergoes ATP- driven conformational changes that allow alternating binding and release of Na(+) and K(+) ions across the membrane (PubMed:35803952). This process maintains essential Na(+) and K(+) gradients for membrane potential and cellular function. 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). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q8VDN2, ECO:0000269|PubMed:29499166, ECO:0000269|PubMed:30388404, ECO:0000269|PubMed:35803952}.