SLC38A1
Description
The SLC38A1 (solute carrier family 38 member 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
Sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC38A1 gene. Amino acid transporters play essential roles in the uptake of nutrients, production of energy, chemical metabolism, detoxification, and neurotransmitter cycling. SLC38A1 is an important transporter of glutamine, an intermediate in the detoxification of ammonia and the production of urea.
SLC38A1 is a symporter that moves short-chain neutral amino acids and sodium ions from outside the cell to inside the cell membrane. This transport is powered by the sodium ion electrochemical gradient, is dependent on pH, and carries an electrical charge. SLC38A1 plays a role in the transport of glutamine from astrocytes to GABAergic interneurons, which is necessary for the production of the neurotransmitter GABA. It may also be involved in amino acid transport in placental trophoblasts. SLC38A1 is known to regulate synaptic plasticity.
SLC38A1 is also known as ATA1, NAT2, SAT1, SNAT1.
