Slc1a2

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:7521911, PubMed:14506254, PubMed:15265858, PubMed:26690923). 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 (PubMed:14506254). Mediates Cl(-) flux that is not coupled to amino acid transport; this avoids the accumulation of negative charges due to aspartate and Na(+) symport (PubMed:14506254). Essential for the rapid removal of released glutamate from the synaptic cleft, and for terminating the postsynaptic action of glutamate (By similarity).

Involvement in disease

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 41

DEE41

A form of epileptic encephalopathy, a heterogeneous group of severe childhood onset epilepsies characterized by refractory seizures, neurodevelopmental impairment, and poor prognosis. Development is normal prior to seizure onset, after which cognitive and motor delays become apparent. DEE41 inheritance is autosomal dominant.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Post-translational modifications

Glycosylated.

Palmitoylation at Cys-38 is not required for correct subcellular localization, but is important for glutamate uptake activity.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the dicarboxylate/amino acid:cation symporter (DAACS) (TC 2.A.23) family. SLC1A2 subfamily.

Cellular localization

• Cell membrane
• Multi-pass membrane protein

Alternative names

• Excitatory amino acid transporter 2
• Glutamate/aspartate transporter II
• Sodium-dependent glutamate/aspartate transporter 2
• Solute carrier family 1 member 2
• GLT1
• SLC1A2
• EAAT2

Database links

• entrezGene:6506
• omim:600300
• swissprot:P43004

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Neuroscience

Molecular weight

62104Da