Molecular analysis of system N suggests novel physiological roles in nitrogen metabolism and synaptic transmission - PubMed (original) (raw)

Molecular analysis of system N suggests novel physiological roles in nitrogen metabolism and synaptic transmission

F A Chaudhry et al. Cell. 1999.

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Abstract

The amino acid glutamine has a central role in nitrogen metabolism. Although the molecular mechanisms responsible for its transport across cell membranes remain poorly understood, classical amino acid transport system N appears particularly important. Using intracellular pH measurements, we have now identified an orphan protein related to a vesicular neurotransmitter transporter as system N. Functional analysis shows that this protein (SN1) involves H+ exchange as well as Na+ cotransport and, under physiological conditions, mediates glutamine efflux as well as uptake. Together with the pattern of SN1 expression, these unusual properties suggest novel physiological roles for system N in nitrogen metabolism and synaptic transmission.

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