RESEARCH: MEMBRANE TRANSPORT
FOLDING PROJECT #17927 PROFILE

This project studies how sugar transporters work. They usually move sugar molecules, but can also move other things like drugs. By figuring out how they recognize different molecules, scientists hope to design better drugs that target specific transporters.

Membrane transporters are important for enabling molecules to go in and out of cells.

What is interesting is that while transporters typically have set functions, they can also transport molecules that do not necessarily relate to their function or cellular purpose.

For example, drugs often hijack transporters to enter cells without necessarily resembling the molecules or metabolites which that target transporter normally transports.

The goal of this project is to see how exactly a typical membrane transporter recognizes and transports molecules that look different from one another.

We choose a class of sugar transporters that transports a variety of different types of substrates to satisfy this goal.

Findings from this study can be generalized for the design of molecules (e.g., drugs) specific to a given transporter and its general mechanism.

Membrane transporters

Proteins embedded in cell membranes that facilitate the movement of molecules across the membrane.

Membrane transporters are essential proteins found in cell membranes. They act like gateways, allowing specific molecules to enter or exit the cell. This is crucial for many cellular processes, including nutrient uptake, waste removal, and signaling.

Drugs

Substances used for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease.

Drugs are chemical substances that have a biological effect on the body. They can be used to treat illnesses, manage symptoms, prevent diseases, and even diagnose certain conditions. The development and use of drugs is a complex process involving extensive research and testing.

Substrates

Molecules that bind to an enzyme and undergo a chemical transformation.

In biochemistry, substrates are the molecules that enzymes act upon. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions. Substrates bind to the active site of an enzyme, where the reaction takes place.

Transporters

Membrane proteins that facilitate the movement of molecules across cell membranes.

Transporters are essential proteins found in cell membranes. They play a vital role in regulating the flow of molecules into and out of cells. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and carrying out various biological functions.