Unlocking the molecular secrets of sodium-coupled transporters.
Transmembrane sodium-ion gradients provide energy that can be harnessed by 'secondary transporters' to drive the translocation of solute molecules into a cell. Decades of study have shown that such sodium-coupled transporters are involved in many physiological processes, making them targets for the treatment of numerous diseases. Within the past year, crystal structures of several sodium-coupled transporters from different families have been reported, showing a remarkable structural conservation between functionally unrelated transporters. These atomic-resolution structures are revealing the mechanism of the sodium-coupled transport of solutes across cellular membranes.
Krishnamurthy
Harini
H
Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Oregon 97239, USA.
Piscitelli
Chayne L
CL
Gouaux
Eric
E
D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites; D006801:Humans; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D011487:Protein Conformation; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism*
D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D012964:Sodium