RESEARCH: MEMBRANE TRANSPORT
FOLDING PROJECT #17938 PROFILE

Secondary active transporters are proteins that use ion gradients to move molecules across cell membranes. These transporters are found everywhere in life and play a key role in health and disease. The project uses simulations to understand how these transporters work across different types of proteins, which could lead to new drug targets for conditions like cancer and diabetes.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

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.

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Molecular basis

The underlying structure and function of molecules.

Molecular basis refers to the fundamental arrangement of atoms and bonds within a molecule that determines its properties and behavior. Understanding the molecular basis of a phenomenon is crucial in fields like biology and medicine.

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Transporters

Proteins that facilitate the movement of molecules across cell membranes.

Transporters are specialized proteins embedded in cell membranes. They play a vital role in regulating what enters and exits cells, ensuring proper nutrient uptake, waste removal, and signaling between cells.

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Secondary active transporters

Transporters that utilize an ion gradient to power the transport of another molecule.

Secondary active transporters are a type of protein found in cell membranes. They use the energy stored in an electrochemical gradient of ions (like sodium or potassium) to move other molecules against their concentration gradient. This is essential for nutrient uptake, waste removal, and various signaling processes.

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Drug targets

Molecules or pathways that are targeted by drugs to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Drug targets are specific molecules or biological processes involved in disease development. By inhibiting or activating these targets, drugs can modulate disease progression and alleviate symptoms.

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Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and spread.

Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. It arises from genetic mutations that disrupt normal cellular processes.

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Diabetes

A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels.

Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to elevated blood sugar levels, affecting various organs and systems.

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Neurological disorders

Conditions affecting the nervous system.

Neurological disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that impact the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. They can cause symptoms such as seizures, paralysis, cognitive impairment, and sensory disturbances.