Slc1a1
Domain
Contains eight transmembrane regions plus two helical hairpins that dip into the membrane. These helical hairpin structures play an important role in the transport process. The first enters the membrane from the cytoplasmic side, the second one from the extracellular side. During the transport cycle, the regions involved in amino acid transport, and especially the helical hairpins, move vertically by about 15-18 Angstroms, alternating between exposure to the aqueous phase and reinsertion in the lipid bilayer. In contrast, the regions involved in trimerization do not move.
Function
Sodium-dependent, high-affinity amino acid transporter that mediates the uptake of L-glutamate and also L-aspartate and D-aspartate (PubMed:12119102, PubMed:18684713). Can also transport L-cysteine (PubMed:30840898). Functions as a symporter that transports one amino acid molecule together with two or three Na(+) ions and one proton, in parallel with the counter-transport of one K(+) ion. Mediates Cl(-) flux that is not coupled to amino acid transport; this avoids the accumulation of negative charges due to aspartate and Na(+) symport (By similarity). Plays an important role in L-glutamate and L-aspartate reabsorption in renal tubuli (PubMed:9233792). Plays a redundant role in the rapid removal of released glutamate from the synaptic cleft, which is essential for terminating the postsynaptic action of glutamate (PubMed:9233792). Contributes to glutathione biosynthesis and protection against oxidative stress via its role in L-glutamate and L-cysteine transport (PubMed:30840898). Negatively regulated by ARL6IP5 (PubMed:12119102).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the dicarboxylate/amino acid:cation symporter (DAACS) (TC 2.A.23) family. SLC1A1 subfamily.
Tissue Specificity
Detected on neurons in the brain cortex, dentate gyrus and hippocampus CA2 region (at protein level) (PubMed:30840898). Expressed in whole brain, brain cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, lung, kidney, small intestine and skeletal muscle (PubMed:30840898, PubMed:7766664, PubMed:9233792). Expressed in the renal outer medulla, medullary ray and cortex (at protein level) (PubMed:26739563).
Cellular localization
- Cell membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Apical cell membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Synapse
- Synaptosome
- Early endosome membrane
- Late endosome membrane
- Recycling endosome membrane
Alternative names
Eaac1, Eaat3, Slc1a1, Excitatory amino acid transporter 3, Excitatory amino-acid carrier 1, Sodium-dependent glutamate/aspartate transporter 3, Solute carrier family 1 member 1