RESEARCH: MEMBRANE TRANSPORT
FOLDING PROJECT #17932 PROFILE

Secondary active transporters are proteins that use ions to move molecules across cell membranes. They're found in all living things and work the same way, even if they look different. This project will help us understand how these transporters use ion power, which is important for treating diseases like cancer and diabetes.

Molecular basis of secondary active transporters. Secondary active membrane transporters are proteins that utilize ions to transport an assortment of molecules across cell membranes.

These proteins are found in all domains in life and surprisingly, despite vastly different structures, operate under the same mechanism by using an ion gradient to assist in small molecule transport.

Furthermore, many of these secondary active transporters are drug targets to treat diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.

The simulations in this project will allow us to understand a universal role of ion-coupling across different families of proteins.

Secondary active transporters

Proteins that use ion gradients to transport molecules across cell membranes.

Secondary active transporters are essential proteins found in all living organisms. They work by using the energy stored in an ion gradient to move other molecules across cell membranes. This process is crucial for various cellular functions, including nutrient uptake, waste removal, and signal transduction. Many secondary active transporters are also drug targets, making them important for treating diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.

Ion gradient

A difference in concentration of ions across a cell membrane.

An ion gradient is a fundamental concept in cellular biology. It refers to the uneven distribution of charged atoms (ions) across a cell membrane. This difference in concentration creates an electrochemical potential that drives various cellular processes, including nutrient uptake, waste removal, and nerve impulse transmission. Secondary active transporters utilize ion gradients to facilitate the movement of other molecules across membranes.

Drug targets

Molecules or proteins that are involved in disease processes and can be targeted by drugs.

Drug targets are essential components of the drug development process. They refer to specific molecules or proteins that play a role in disease pathways. By targeting these molecules, drugs can disrupt the disease process and provide therapeutic benefits. Secondary active transporters are often considered drug targets due to their involvement in various physiological processes.