SLC1A1
Description
The SLC1A1 (solute carrier family 1 member 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 9.
SLC1A1, also known as Excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC1A1 gene. EAAT3 is expressed on the plasma membrane of neurons, specifically on the dendrites and axon terminals. EAAT3 is a member of the high-affinity glutamate transporters which plays an essential role in transporting glutamate across plasma membranes in neurons. In the brain, excitatory amino acid transporters are crucial in terminating the postsynaptic action of the neurotransmitter glutamate, and in maintaining extracellular glutamate concentrations below neurotoxic levels. EAAT3 also transports aspartate, and mutations in this gene are thought to cause dicarboxylic aminoaciduria, also known as glutamate-aspartate transport defect. EAAT3 is also the major route of neuronal cysteine uptake. Cysteine is a component of the major antioxidant glutathione, and mice lacking EAAT3 exhibit reduced levels of glutathione in neurons, increased oxidative stress, and age-dependent loss of neurons, especially neurons of the substantia nigra. A meta-analysis identified a small but significant association between a polymorphism of the gene SLC1A1 and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. SLC1A1 has been shown to interact with ARL6IP5.
SLC1A1, also known as Excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3), is a sodium-dependent, high-affinity amino acid transporter that mediates the uptake of L-glutamate, L-aspartate, and D-aspartate. It can also transport L-cysteine. SLC1A1 functions as a symporter, transporting one amino acid molecule along with two or three sodium ions and one proton, while counter-transporting one potassium ion. This transport process is coupled with chloride ion flux, preventing the accumulation of negative charges due to aspartate and sodium symport. SLC1A1 plays a key role in the reabsorption of L-glutamate and L-aspartate in renal tubules. It also plays a redundant role in the rapid removal of released glutamate from the synaptic cleft, essential for terminating the postsynaptic action of glutamate. SLC1A1 contributes to glutathione biosynthesis and protection against oxidative stress through its role in L-glutamate and L-cysteine transport. Its activity is negatively regulated by ARL6IP5.
SLC1A1 is also known as DCBXA, EAAC1, EAAT3, SCZD18, hEAAC1.
