RESEARCH: MEMBRANE TRANSPORT
FOLDING PROJECT #17928 PROFILE

This project investigates how membrane transporters work. These proteins help move molecules into and out of cells. The project focuses on sugar transporters that can move different types of sugars. By understanding how these transporters recognize different molecules, researchers can design new drugs that specifically target certain 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.

Membrane transporters are proteins found within the membrane of cells. Their primary role is to control the movement of molecules both into and out of the cell. This process is essential for cellular function as it allows for the uptake of nutrients, removal of waste products, and signaling between cells.

Drugs

Chemical substances used for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease.

Drugs are chemical compounds designed to have a specific effect on the body. They can be used to treat various conditions like infections, pain, and chronic diseases. Drug development involves complex research to ensure efficacy and safety.

Sugar transporters

Membrane proteins that facilitate the transport of sugar molecules across cell membranes.

Sugar transporters are a specialized type of membrane protein responsible for moving sugar molecules into and out of cells. They play a crucial role in cellular energy production, storage, and signaling pathways.

Substrates

Molecules that bind to an enzyme and undergo a chemical reaction catalyzed by the enzyme.

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.