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Melani R, Tritsch NX. Inhibitory co-transmission from midbrain dopamine neurons relies on presynaptic GABA uptake. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110716. [PMID: 35443174 PMCID: PMC9097974 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine (DA)-releasing neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNcDA) inhibit target cells in the striatum through postsynaptic activation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for GABAergic signaling remain unclear, as SNcDA neurons lack enzymes typically required to produce GABA or package it into synaptic vesicles. Here, we show that aldehyde dehydrogenase 1a1 (Aldh1a1), an enzyme proposed to function as a GABA synthetic enzyme in SNcDA neurons, does not produce GABA for synaptic transmission. Instead, we demonstrate that SNcDA axons obtain GABA exclusively through presynaptic uptake using the membrane GABA transporter Gat1 (encoded by Slc6a1). GABA is then packaged for vesicular release using the vesicular monoamine transporter Vmat2. Our data therefore show that presynaptic transmitter recycling can substitute for de novo GABA synthesis and that Vmat2 contributes to vesicular GABA transport, expanding the range of molecular mechanisms available to neurons to support inhibitory synaptic communication. Melani and Tritsch demonstrate that inhibitory co-transmission from midbrain dopaminergic neurons does not depend on cell-autonomous GABA synthesis but instead on presynaptic import from the extracellular space through the membrane transporter Gat1 and that GABA loading into synaptic vesicles relies on the vesicular monoamine transporter Vmat2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Melani
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Fresco Institute for Parkinson's and Movement Disorders, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Nicolas X Tritsch
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Fresco Institute for Parkinson's and Movement Disorders, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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2
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Danbolt NC, López-Corcuera B, Zhou Y. Reconstitution of GABA, Glycine and Glutamate Transporters. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:85-110. [PMID: 33905037 PMCID: PMC8763731 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03331-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to water soluble enzymes which can be purified and studied while in solution, studies of solute carrier (transporter) proteins require both that the protein of interest is situated in a phospholipid membrane and that this membrane forms a closed compartment. An additional challenge to the study of transporter proteins has been that the transport depends on the transmembrane electrochemical gradients. Baruch I. Kanner understood this early on and first developed techniques for studying plasma membrane vesicles. This advanced the field in that the experimenter could control the electrochemical gradients. Kanner, however, did not stop there, but started to solubilize the membranes so that the transporter proteins were taken out of their natural environment. In order to study them, Kanner then had to find a way to reconstitute them (reinsert them into phospholipid membranes). The scope of the present review is both to describe the reconstitution method in full detail as that has never been done, and also to reveal the scientific impact that this method has had. Kanner's later work is not reviewed here although that also deserves a review because it too has had a huge impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Christian Danbolt
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Beatriz López-Corcuera
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yun Zhou
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
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3
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A steered molecular dynamics study of binding and translocation processes in the GABA transporter. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39360. [PMID: 22737235 PMCID: PMC3380839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The entire substrate translocation pathway in the human GABA transporter (GAT-1) was explored for the endogenous substrate GABA and the anti-convulsive drug tiagabine. Following a steered molecular dynamics (SMD) approach, in which a harmonic restraining potential is applied to the ligand, dissociation and re-association of ligands were simulated revealing events leading to substrate (GABA) translocation and inhibitor (tiagabine) mechanism of action. We succeeded in turning the transporter from the outward facing occluded to the open-to-out conformation, and also to reorient the transporter to the open-to-in conformation. The simulations are validated by literature data and provide a substrate pathway fingerprint in terms of which, how, and in which sequence specific residues are interacted with. They reveal the essential functional roles of specific residues, e.g. the role of charged residues in the extracellular vestibule including two lysines (K76 (TM1) and K448 (TM10)) and a TM6-triad (D281, E283, and D287) in attracting and relocating substrates towards the secondary/interim substrate-binding site (S2). Likewise, E101 is highlighted as essential for the relocation of the substrate from the primary substrate-binding site (S1) towards the cytoplasm.
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4
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5
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Farhan H, Freissmuth M, Sitte HH. Oligomerization of neurotransmitter transporters: a ticket from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2006:233-49. [PMID: 16722239 DOI: 10.1007/3-540-29784-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cellular localization of neurotransmitter transporters is important for the precise control of synaptic transmission. By removing the neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft, these transporters terminate signalling and affect duration and intensity of neurotransmission. Thus, a lot of work has been invested in the determination of the cellular compartment to which neurotransmitter transporters localize. In particular, the polarized distribution has received substantial attention. However, trafficking of transporters in the early secretory pathway has been largely ignored. Oligomer formation is a prerequisite for newly formed transporters to pass the stringent quality control mechanisms of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and this quaternary structure is also the preferred state which transporters reside in at the plasma membrane. Only properly assembled transporters are able to recruit the coatomer coat proteins that are needed for ER-to-Golgi trafficking. In this review, we will start with a brief description on transporter oligomerization that underlies ER-to-Golgi trafficking, followed by an introduction to ER-to-Golgi trafficking of neurotransmitter transporters. Finally, we will discuss the importance of oligomer formation for the pharmacological action of the illicitly used amphetamines and its derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Farhan
- Institute of Pharmacology, Centre for Biomolecular Medicine and Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Währingerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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6
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McHugh EM, Zhu W, Milgram S, Mager S. The GABA transporter GAT1 and the MAGUK protein Pals1: interaction, uptake modulation, and coexpression in the brain. Mol Cell Neurosci 2004; 26:406-17. [PMID: 15234345 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2004.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2003] [Revised: 02/04/2004] [Accepted: 03/16/2004] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic signaling in the CNS is terminated in part through uptake of GABA by GABA transporters. We used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify proteins that associate with the carboxy-terminus of the neuronal GABA transporter GAT1. We found an interaction between GAT1 and the MAGUK protein Pals1. When coexpressed in COS-7 cells, Pals1 co-immunoprecipitates with GAT1. We demonstrate cellular coexpression of GAT1 and Pals1 in the mouse hippocampus and striatum. Functionally, coexpression of GAT1 and Pals1 in COS-7 cells increases [3H]-GABA uptake by GAT1. The mechanism underlying increased uptake is increased levels of GAT1 protein. We hypothesize that Pals1 contributes to the stability of the GAT1, thus promoting the expression level of the transporter protein. In the CNS, Pals1 may stabilize GAT1 at appropriate levels in specific GABAergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M McHugh
- Neurobiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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7
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Sacchi VF, Castagna M, Mari SA, Perego C, Bossi E, Peres A. Glutamate 59 is critical for transport function of the amino acid cotransporter KAAT1. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2003; 285:C623-32. [PMID: 12736138 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00349.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
KAAT1 is a neutral amino acid transporter activated by K+ or by Na+ (9). The protein shows significant homology with members of the Na+/Cl--dependent neurotransmitter transporter super family. E59G KAAT1, expressed in Xenopus oocytes, exhibited a reduced leucine uptake [20-30% of wild-type (WT)], and kinetic analysis indicated that the loss of activity was due to reduction of Vmax and apparent affinity for substrates. Electrophysiological analysis revealed that E59G KAAT1 has presteady-state and uncoupled currents larger than WT but no leucine-induced currents. Site-directed mutagenesis analysis showed the requirement of a negative charge in position 59 of KAAT1. The analysis of permeant and impermeant methanethiosulfonate reagent effects confirmed the intracellular localization of glutamate 59. Because the 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate hydrobromid inhibition was not prevented by the presence of Na+ or leucine, we concluded that E59 is not directly involved in the binding of substrates. N-ethylmaleimide inhibition was qualitatively and quantitatively different in the two transporters, WT and E59G KAAT1, having the same cysteine residues. This indicates an altered accessibility of native cysteine residues due to a modified spatial organization of E59G KAAT1. The arginine modifier phenylglyoxal effect supports this hypothesis: not only cysteine but also arginine residues become more accessible to the modifying reagents in the mutant E59G. In conclusion, the results presented indicate that glutamate 59 plays a critical role in the three-dimensional organization of KAAT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Franca Sacchi
- Institute of General Physiology and Biological Chemistry, University of Milano, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy.
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8
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Scholze P, Freissmuth M, Sitte HH. Mutations within an intramembrane leucine heptad repeat disrupt oligomer formation of the rat GABA transporter 1. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:43682-90. [PMID: 12223478 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m205602200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Na(+)/Cl(-)-dependent neurotransmitter transporters form constitutive oligomers, the significance of which is not known. In soluble proteins, leucine heptad repeats drive dimerization; the rat gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter GAT-1 (rGAT) contains a motif reminiscent of a leucine heptad repeat in the second transmembrane helix (TM2). We substituted leucine residues in TM2 of rGAT by alanine and tested the ability of the resulting mutants to form oligomers by three methods of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy. Replacement of one leucine (L97A) resulted in considerable loss of energy transfer, replacing two or more ablated it completely. Furthermore, intracellular trapping increased with the number of leucine substitutions. Only rGAT-L97A reached the cell surface to a sufficient amount such that, in intact cells, it was indistinguishable from wild type rGAT with respect to substrate transport, binding of inhibitors, and regulation by protein kinase C. However, in membrane vesicles prepared from transfected cells, all mutants were still functional. In addition, FRET was readily detected during maturation of wild type rGAT, when the bulk of the protein resided in the endoplasmic reticulum. Hence, our findings strongly argue for a role of oligomer formation during biosynthesis and subsequent delivery of the multimer from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Scholze
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 13a, Austria
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9
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Castagna M, Vincenti S, Marciani P, Sacchi VF. Inhibition of the lepidopteran amino acid co-transporter KAAT1 by phenylglyoxal: role of arginine 76. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2002; 11:283-289. [PMID: 12144692 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2583.2002.00327.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Phenylglyoxal (PGO), an arginine-modifying reagent, is an irreversible inhibitor of KAAT1-mediated leucine transport, expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The PGO effect was dose-dependent and 5 mm PGO determined a V(max) reduction to 24% of the control, consistent with the covalent binding to transporter arginine residues not located in the leucine binding site. The use of labelled [(14)C]PGO confirmed that the inhibitor binds KAAT1. The protein membrane domain contains seven arginine residues one of which, arginine 76, is conserved in the family of GABA transporters. Using site-directed mutagenesis we showed that only arginine 76 is crucial for KAAT1 activity and is involved in PGO binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Castagna
- Istituto di Fisiologia Generale e di Chimica Biologica, Facoltà di Farmacia, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
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10
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Bennett ER, Su H, Kanner BI. Mutation of arginine 44 of GAT-1, a (Na(+) + Cl(-))-coupled gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter from rat brain, impairs net flux but not exchange. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:34106-13. [PMID: 10926932 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m004229200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter GAT-1 is a prototype of a large family of neurotransmitter transporters that includes those of dopamine and serotonin. GAT-1 maintains low synaptic concentrations of neurotransmitter by coupling GABA uptake to the fluxes of sodium and chloride. Here we identify a stretch of four amino acid residues predicted to lie in the juxtamembrane region prior to transmembrane domain 1 in the cytoplasmic amino-terminal tail of GAT-1, which is critical for its function. Two residues, arginine 44 and tryptophan 47, are fully conserved within the transporter family, and their deletion abolishes GABA transport in the HeLa cell expression system used. Tryptophan 47 can be replaced only by aromatic residues without loss of activity. Arginine 44 is essential for activity. Only when it is replaced by lysine, low activity levels (around 15% of those of the wild type) are observed. Using a reconstitution assay, we show that mutants in which this residue is replaced by lysine or histidine exhibit sodium- and chloride-dependent GABA exchange similar to the wild type. This indicates that these mutants are selectively impaired in the reorientation of the unloaded transporter, a step in the translocation cycle by which net flux and exchange differ. The high degree of conservation in the consensus sequence RXXW suggests that this region may influence the reorientation step in related transporters as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Bennett
- Department of Biochemistry, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel 91120
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11
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Li M, Farley RA, Lester HA. An intermediate state of the gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter GAT1 revealed by simultaneous voltage clamp and fluorescence. J Gen Physiol 2000; 115:491-508. [PMID: 10736315 PMCID: PMC2233755 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.115.4.491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter GAT1 expressed in Xenopus oocytes was labeled at Cys74, and at one or more other sites, by tetramethylrhodamine-5-maleimide, without significantly altering GAT1 function. Voltage-jump relaxation analysis showed that fluorescence increased slightly and monotonically with hyperpolarization; the fluorescence at -140 mV was approximately 0. 8% greater than at +60 mV. The time course of the fluorescence relaxations was mostly described by a single exponential with voltage-dependent but history-independent time constants ranging from approximately 20 ms at +60 mV to approximately 150 ms at -140 mV. The fluorescence did not saturate at the most negative potentials tested, and the midpoint of the fluorescence-voltage relation was at least 50 mV more negative than the midpoint of the charge-voltage relation previously identified with Na(+) binding to GAT1. The presence of gamma-aminobutyric acid did not noticeably affect the fluorescence waveforms. The fluorescence signal depended on Na(+) concentration with a Hill coefficient approaching 2. Increasing Cl(-) concentration modestly increased and accelerated the fluorescence relaxations for hyperpolarizing jumps. The fluorescence change was blocked by the GAT1 inhibitor, NO-711. For the W68L mutant of GAT1, the fluorescence relaxations occurred only during jumps to high positive potentials, in agreement with previous suggestions that this mutant is trapped in one conformational state except at these potentials. These observations suggest that the fluorescence signals monitor a novel state of GAT1, intermediate between the E*(out) and E(out) states of Hilgemann, D.W., and C.-C. Lu (1999. J. Gen. Physiol. 114:459-476). Therefore, the study provides verification that conformational changes occur during GAT1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- From the Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
| | - Robert A. Farley
- From the Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
| | - Henry A. Lester
- From the Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
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12
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Liu YH, Huang F, Fei J, Zhao JX, Gu QB, Schwarz W, Guo LH. Val 70, Phe 72 and the last seven amino acid residues of C-terminal are essential to the function of norepinephrine transporter. Cell Res 1998; 8:311-5. [PMID: 9934539 DOI: 10.1038/cr.1998.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The norepinephrine transporter(NET) is a member of the Na+/Cl- dependent neurotransmitter transporter family and constitutes the target of several clinically important antidepressants. To delineate the critical amino acid residues and the function of C-terminal in regulating transport activity of NET, here we constructed two site mutants (V70F, F72V; V70I, F72V) and one C-terminal truncated mutant (delta 611-617). The wild type and mutants of NET were expressed in Xenopus oocytes by injection of their cRNA. We found that all of these mutants lost their transport activity. These results indicate that the amino acid residues of V70 and F72, and the last seven amino acids of C-terminal are essential to the transport activity of NET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
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13
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Barker EL, Blakely RD. Structural determinants of neurotransmitter transport using cross-species chimeras: studies on serotonin transporter. Methods Enzymol 1998; 296:475-98. [PMID: 9779469 DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(98)96035-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E L Barker
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6600, USA
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14
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Palacín M, Estévez R, Bertran J, Zorzano A. Molecular biology of mammalian plasma membrane amino acid transporters. Physiol Rev 1998; 78:969-1054. [PMID: 9790568 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.1998.78.4.969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 587] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular biology entered the field of mammalian amino acid transporters in 1990-1991 with the cloning of the first GABA and cationic amino acid transporters. Since then, cDNA have been isolated for more than 20 mammalian amino acid transporters. All of them belong to four protein families. Here we describe the tissue expression, transport characteristics, structure-function relationship, and the putative physiological roles of these transporters. Wherever possible, the ascription of these transporters to known amino acid transport systems is suggested. Significant contributions have been made to the molecular biology of amino acid transport in mammals in the last 3 years, such as the construction of knockouts for the CAT-1 cationic amino acid transporter and the EAAT2 and EAAT3 glutamate transporters, as well as a growing number of studies aimed to elucidate the structure-function relationship of the amino acid transporter. In addition, the first gene (rBAT) responsible for an inherited disease of amino acid transport (cystinuria) has been identified. Identifying the molecular structure of amino acid transport systems of high physiological relevance (e.g., system A, L, N, and x(c)- and of the genes responsible for other aminoacidurias as well as revealing the key molecular mechanisms of the amino acid transporters are the main challenges of the future in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Palacín
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Zarbiv R, Grunewald M, Kavanaugh MP, Kanner BI. Cysteine scanning of the surroundings of an alkali-ion binding site of the glutamate transporter GLT-1 reveals a conformationally sensitive residue. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:14231-7. [PMID: 9603927 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.23.14231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate transporters remove this transmitter from the extracellular space by cotransport with three sodium ions and a proton. The cycle is completed by translocation of a potassium ion in the opposite direction. Recently we have identified two adjacent amino acid residues of the glutamate transporter GLT-1 that influence potassium coupling. Using the scanning cysteine accessibility method we have now explored the highly conserved region surrounding them. Replacement of each of the five consecutive residues 396-400 by cysteine abolished transport activity but at several other positions the substitution is tolerated. One residue, tyrosine 403, was identified where cysteine substitution renders the transporter sensitive to modification by positively charged methanethiosulfonate derivates in a sodium-protectable fashion. In the presence of sodium, the nontransported glutamate analogue dihydrokainate potentiated the covalent modification, presumably by binding to the glutamate site and locking the protein in a conformation in which tyrosine 403 is accessible from the external bulk medium. In contrast, transported substrates significantly slowed the reaction, suggesting that during the transport cycle residue 403 becomes occluded. On the other hand, transportable substrates are not able to protect Y403C transporters against N-ethylmaleimide, which is highly permeant but unable to modify cysteine residues buried within membrane proteins. These results indicate that tyrosine 403 is alternately accessible from either side of the membrane, consistent with its role as structural determinant of the potassium binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Zarbiv
- Department of Biochemistry, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University, P. O. Box 12272, Jerusalem, Israel 91120
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16
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Burton LD, Kippenberger AG, Lingen B, Brüss M, Bönisch H, Christie DL. A variant of the bovine noradrenaline transporter reveals the importance of the C-terminal region for correct targeting to the membrane and functional expression. Biochem J 1998; 330 ( Pt 2):909-14. [PMID: 9480909 PMCID: PMC1219224 DOI: 10.1042/bj3300909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We have characterized a cDNA clone which encodes a variant (bNAT2) of the bovine noradrenaline transporter. This cDNA differs from the previously identified bovine noradrenaline transporter (bNAT1) in the sequence encoding part of the cytoplasmic-facing C-terminus and the 3'-untranslated region. The bNAT1 and bNAT2 cDNA clones are encoded by a 5.8 and 3.6 kb mRNA species respectively. The bNAT1 and bNAT2 proteins, which are identical apart from their C-terminal 31 and 18 residues, were stably expressed in HEK293 cells. Cells expressing bNAT1 showed a high level of desipramine-sensitive [3H]noradrenaline uptake activity, whereas no activity was present in bNAT2 cells. The bNAT1 and bNAT2 proteins were present as major 80 and 50 kDa species respectively. Cells expressing bNAT1 showed strong immunostaining of the plasma membrane, whereas bNAT2 was present in the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi region. Treatment of membrane samples from bNAT1 cells with peptide N-glycosidase F resulted in the formation of a predominantly 50 kDa species, but little effect was observed after similar treatment of bNAT2 cell membranes. These results indicate that bNAT2 is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and that the glycosylation of this variant differs from that of bNAT1. The characterization of bNAT2 and its comparison with bNAT1 highlight the importance of the cytoplasmic-facing C-terminus for the intracellular trafficking of neurotransmitter transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Burton
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
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17
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Lee SH, Cho HK, Son H, Lee YS. Substrate transport and cocaine binding of human dopamine transporter is reduced by substitution of carboxyl tail with that of bovine dopamine transporter. Neuroreport 1997; 8:2591-4. [PMID: 9261833 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-199707280-00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A chimeric dopamine transporter (DAT) cDNA encoding mutant human DAT (hDAT) protein in which the intracellular carboxyl-terminal tail is replaced by that of the bovine dopamine transporter (bDAT) was constructed. The chimeric hDAT cDNA was expressed in COS-7 cells, and [3H]dopamine and [3H]MPP+ uptake and [3H]CFT binding capacities were assessed. Substrate transport and ligand binding of bDAT were reduced by 32-43% as a result of substitution of the carboxyl tail in hDAT, suggesting that the functional characteristics of bDAT arise from differences in the carboxyl tail between human and bovine DAT. Thus, it appears that the sequences encoded within the carboxyl terminal of DAT would be one of the important determinants for its functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S H Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
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18
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Bennett ER, Kanner BI. The membrane topology of GAT-1, a (Na+ + Cl-)-coupled gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter from rat brain. J Biol Chem 1997; 272:1203-10. [PMID: 8995422 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.272.2.1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The membrane topology of GAT-1, a sodium- and chloride-coupled gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter from rat brain, has been probed using N-glycosylation scanning mutagenesis. Overall, the results support the theoretical 12-transmembrane segment model. This model (based on hydropathy analysis) was originally proposed for GAT-1 and adopted for all other members of the sodium- and chloride-dependent neurotransmitter transporter superfamily. However, our data indicate that the loop connecting putative transmembrane domains 2 and 3, which was predicted to be located intracellularly, can be glycosylated in vivo. Furthermore, studies with permeant and impermeant methanesulfonate reagents suggest that cysteine 74, located in the hydrophilic loop connecting transmembrane domains 1 and 2, is intracellular rather than extracellular. We present a model in which the topology deviates from the theoretical one in the amino-terminal third of the transporter. It also contains 12 transmembrane segments, but the highly conserved domain 1 does not form a conventional transmembrane alpha-helix.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Bennett
- Department of Biochemistry, Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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19
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Lee FJ, Pristupa ZB, Ciliax BJ, Levey AI, Niznik HB. The dopamine transporter carboxyl-terminal tail. Truncation/substitution mutants selectively confer high affinity dopamine uptake while attenuating recognition of the ligand binding domain. J Biol Chem 1996; 271:20885-94. [PMID: 8702845 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.271.34.20885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to delineate structural motifs regulating substrate affinity and recognition for the human dopamine transporter (DAT), we assessed [3H]dopamine uptake kinetics and [3H]CFT binding characteristics of COS-7 cells transiently expressing mutant DATs in which the COOH terminus was truncated or substituted. Complete truncation of the carboxyl tail from Ser582 allowed for the expression of biphasic [3H]dopamine uptake kinetics displaying both a low capacity (Vmax approximately 0.4 pmol/10(5) cells/min) high affinity (Km approximately 300 nM) component and one exhibiting low affinity (Km approximately 15 microM] and high capacity (Vmax approximately 5 pmol/10(5)cells/min) with a concomitant 40% decrease in overall apparent Vmax relative to wild type (WT) DAT. Truncation of the last 22 amino acids or substitution of the DAT-COOH tail with sequences encoding the intracellular carboxyl-terminal of either dopamine D1 or D5 receptors produced results that were identical to those with the fully truncated DAT, suggesting that the induction of biphasic dopamine uptake kinetics is likely conferred by removal of DAT-specific sequence motifs distal to Pro597. The attenuation of WT transport activity, either by lowering levels of DAT expression or by pretreatment of cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (1 microM), did not affect the kinetics of [3H]dopamine transport. The estimated affinity of dopamine (Ki approximately 180 nM) for all truncated/substituted DAT mutants was 10-fold lower than that of WT DAT (approximately 2000 nM) and appears selective for the endogenous substrate, since the estimated inhibitory constants for numerous putative substrates or uptake inhibitors were virtually identical to those obtained for WT DATs. In marked contrast, DAT truncation/substitution mutants displayed significantly reduced high affinity [3H]CFT binding interactions with estimated Ki values for dopamine and numerous other substrates and inhibitors tested from 10-100-fold lower than that observed for WT DAT. Moreover, co-expression of truncated and/or substituted DATs with WT transporter failed to reconstitute functional or pharmacological activities associated with both transporters. Instead, complete restoration of uniphasic low affinity [3H]dopamine uptake kinetics (Km approximately 2000 nM) and high affinity substrate and inhibitor [3H]CFT binding interactions attributable to WT DATs were evident. These data clearly suggest the functional independence and differential regulation of the dopamine translocation process from the characteristics exhibited by its ligand binding domain. The lack of functional phenotypic expression of mutant DAT activities in cells co-expressing WT transporter is consistent with the contention that native DATs may exist as multisubunit complexes, the formation and maintenance of which is dependent upon sequences encoded within the carboxyl tail.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
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20
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Brüss M, Hammermann R, Brimijoin S, Bönisch H. Antipeptide antibodies confirm the topology of the human norepinephrine transporter. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:9197-201. [PMID: 7721836 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.16.9197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We have raised polyclonal antibodies (N6-28, L211-226, L371-384, and C590-607) against peptides corresponding to hydrophilic sequences of the human norepinephrine transporter (hNET). The antisera immunoprecipitated the [35S]Met-labeled hNET. Antiserum L211-226, directed against a sequence of the putative second (large) extracellular loop of hNET, also immunoprecipitated the human dopamine transporter. Antisera N6-28 and C590-607, raised against a hNET peptide region of the N and the C termini, respectively, recognized a 58-kDa protein from transfected COS-7 cells expressing the hNET. This 58-kDa species represents a functional, glycosylated form of the hNET and not a degradation product. Tunicamycin treatment of transfected COS-7 cells as well as peptide-N-glycosidase F digestion of the transporter converted the 58-kDa species to a 50-kDa form, indicating that the latter represents the hNET core protein. In indirect immunofluorescence studies, our antisera confirmed the originally proposed topology of hNET. Antisera N6-28 and C590-607 detected hNET only in permeabilized cells. In contrast, antisera L211-226 and L371-384 directed against peptide sequences of the second and fourth putative extracellular loop displayed fluorescence signals with the intact cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Brüss
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany
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21
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Borowsky B, Hoffman BJ. Neurotransmitter transporters: molecular biology, function, and regulation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 1995; 38:139-99. [PMID: 8537200 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(08)60526-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B Borowsky
- Unit on Molecular Pharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4090, USA
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22
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Kanner BI, Bendahan A, Pantanowitz S, Su H. The number of amino acid residues in hydrophilic loops connecting transmembrane domains of the GABA transporter GAT-1 is critical for its function. FEBS Lett 1994; 356:191-4. [PMID: 7805836 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(94)01255-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Transporter proteins consist of multiple transmembrane domains connected by hydrophillic loops. As the importance of these loops in transport processes is poorly understood, we have studied this question using the cDNA coding for GAT-1, a Na+/Cl(-)-coupled gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter from rat brain. Deletions of randomly picked non-conserved single amino acids in the loops connecting helices 7 and 8 or 8 and 9 result in inactive transport upon expression in HeLa cells. However, transporters where these amino acids are replaced with glycine retain significant activity. The expression level of the inactive mutant transporters was similar to that of the wild-type, but one of these, delta Val-348, appears to be defectively targetted to the plasma membrane. Our data are compatible with the idea that a minimal length of the loops is required, presumably to enable the transmembrane domains to interact optimally with each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- B I Kanner
- Department of Biochemistry, Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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23
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Edvardsen O, Dahl SG. A putative model of the dopamine transporter. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 1994; 27:265-74. [PMID: 7898310 DOI: 10.1016/0169-328x(94)90009-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A three-dimensional model of the human dopamine transporter was constructed by molecular modeling techniques from its amino acid sequence, based on sequence analysis of this and 9 other transporter proteins. The model has 12 membrane spanning alpha-helices arranged in two 7-helical bundles, loops between helices and amino- and carboxy termini. The molecular electrostatic potentials were mainly negative at the synaptic side and positive in the cytoplasmic domains of the transporter model, strongly positive in some of the transmembrane domains, and strongly negative in other transmembrane domains. The model suggests specific binding sites for dopamine and cocaine, a functional role for chloride ions, and accounts for known structure-activity relationships of cocaine analogs at the dopamine transporter.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Edvardsen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tromsø, Norway
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24
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Olivares L, Aragón C, Giménez C, Zafra F. Carboxyl terminus of the glycine transporter GLYT1 is necessary for correct processing of the protein. J Biol Chem 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)46941-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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25
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The effect of N-linked glycosylation on activity of the Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent serotonin transporter expressed using recombinant baculovirus in insect cells. J Biol Chem 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)47194-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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26
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Ikegaki N, Saito N, Hashima M, Tanaka C. Production of specific antibodies against GABA transporter subtypes (GAT1, GAT2, GAT3) and their application to immunocytochemistry. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 1994; 26:47-54. [PMID: 7854065 DOI: 10.1016/0169-328x(94)90072-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Polyclonal subtype-specific antibodies were developed against three subtypes of GABA transporters (GAT1, GAT2 and GAT3). By immunoblot analysis, each antibody detected a single band that could be blocked by absorption of the antibody with the respective antigen. GAT2 was found in various tissues, while GAT1 and GAT3 were detected only in the brain. GAT1 was distributed throughout the brain with the highest amount in the olfactory bulb, CA3 region of the hippocampus, layer I of the cerebral cortex, piriform cortex, superior colliculus, interpeduncular nucleus and nucleus spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve, while the GAT3 was densely found in the olfactory bulb, thalamus, hypothalamus, pons and medulla, globus pallidus, central gray, substantia nigra, deep cerebellar nuclei and nucleus spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve but not in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, caudate-putamen and cerebellar cortex. GAT2 immunoreactivity was faint throughout the brain but was concentrated in the arachnoid and ependymal cells. Both GAT1 and GAT3 were found in the neuropil but not in the cell bodies nor in the white matter. These results suggest that GAT1, GAT2 and GAT3 are expressed in different cells and that GAT1 and GAT3 are involved in distinct GABAergic transmission while GAT2 may be related to non-neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ikegaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Japan
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27
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Abstract
The identification of two gene families encoding neurotransmitter transporters was a major step towards a better understanding of these proteins and their function in neurotransmission. The recent isolation of additional members of these families underscores their high molecular diversity and implies a delicate regulation of transmitter uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Schloss
- Department of Neurochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany
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28
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Reizer J, Reizer A, Saier MH. A functional superfamily of sodium/solute symporters. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1994; 1197:133-66. [PMID: 8031825 DOI: 10.1016/0304-4157(94)90003-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Eleven families of sodium/solute symporters are defined based on their degrees of sequence similarities, and the protein members of these families are characterized in terms of their solute and cation specificities, their sizes, their topological features, their evolutionary relationships, and their relative degrees and regions of sequence conservation. In some cases, particularly where site-specific mutagenesis analyses have provided functional information about specific proteins, multiple alignments of members of the relevant families are presented, and the degrees of conservation of the mutated residues are evaluated. Signature sequences for several of the eleven families are presented to facilitate identification of new members of these families as they become sequenced. Phylogenetic tree construction reveals the evolutionary relationships between members of each family. One of these families is shown to belong to the previously defined major facilitator superfamily. The other ten families do not show sufficient sequence similarity with each other or with other identified transport protein families to establish homology between them. This study serves to clarify structural, functional and evolutionary relationships among eleven distinct families of functionally related transport proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Reizer
- Department of Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0116
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29
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Abstract
In the past year, our knowledge of neurotransmitter transporters has increased significantly. Recently, new members of two families of plasma membrane uptake carriers have been cloned, and the stoichiometries, physiological function and mechanisms of modulation of some of these transporters are now better understood. These developments highlight the possible role of neurotransmitter transporters in disease states, in the development of the nervous system, and as targets for therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Attwell
- Department of Physiology, University College London, UK
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30
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Melikian H, McDonald J, Gu H, Rudnick G, Moore K, Blakely R. Human norepinephrine transporter. Biosynthetic studies using a site-directed polyclonal antibody. J Biol Chem 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)32714-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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31
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Worrall DM, Williams DC. Sodium ion-dependent transporters for neurotransmitters: a review of recent developments. Biochem J 1994; 297 ( Pt 3):425-36. [PMID: 7906513 PMCID: PMC1137850 DOI: 10.1042/bj2970425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D M Worrall
- Department of Biochemistry, University College, Dublin, Ireland
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