Research reveals how cells receive essential cargo via transporter proteins

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Two very closely associated molecules of UapA

Two very closely associated molecules of UapA

Research reveals in molecular level detail how 'transporters' work to deliver nutrients, ions and other essential cargo to cells

Transporters are essential proteins that allow cells to take up important cargo, such as nutrients and ions, across the highly impermeable membrane barrier that surrounds all cells. There has been substantial evidence to suggest many transporters exist in small groups, twos or threes, of identical molecules. The individual transporters in these small groups may work together to carry out the transport of their cargo across the membrane. However, until now precisely how individual transporters affect the activity of their neighbours remained unclear.

One molecule of UapA (yellow) ensures the correct cargo (blue) is transported through the neighbouring molecule (gray).

Collaborative research between Imperial College London, the University of Warwick and the University of Athens has for the first time revealed in molecular level detail how this process of transporter cross-talk occurs. The high resolution structure of UapA from the fungus Aspergillus nidulans shows that this transporter exists in pairs, and that one molecule plays a key role in ensuring that the correct cargo is transported through the other molecule to the cell. These insights have improved our understanding of how transporters work and could also influence the design of drugs that target these molecules in the future.

Image above: One molecule of UapA (yellow) ensures the correct cargo (blue) is transported through the neighbouring molecule (gray).

Yilmaz Alguel, Sotiris Amilis, James Leung, George Lambrinidis, Stefano Capaldi, Nicola J. Scull, Gregory Craven, So Iwata, Alan Armstrong, Emmanuel Mikros, George Diallinas, Alexander D. Cameron, Bernadette Byrne*. (2016) The structure of UapA, a eukaryotic purine/H+ symporter, reveals a role for homodimerization in transport activity. Nature Commun.

For further information see DOI 10.1038/NCOMMS11336

Reporter

Bernadette Byrne

Bernadette Byrne
Department of Life Sciences

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Contact details

Tel: +44 (0)20 7594 3004
Email: b.byrne@imperial.ac.uk

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