lactate transmembrane transport

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process in which lactate is transported across a membrane. Lactate is 2-hydroxypropanoate, CH3-CHOH-COOH; L(+)-lactate is formed by anaerobic glycolysis in animal tissues, and DL-lactate is found in sour milk, molasses and certain fruit juices. [GOC:mcc, ISBN:0198506732]

Lactate transmembrane transport is a crucial process in cellular metabolism, facilitating the movement of lactate across cell membranes. Lactate, a by-product of anaerobic glycolysis, is produced in tissues with high metabolic activity, such as skeletal muscle during intense exercise. To maintain energy production and prevent lactate accumulation, cells utilize specific membrane proteins to transport lactate across the cell membrane. These transport proteins include monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), a family of integral membrane proteins that exhibit facilitated diffusion, allowing lactate to move down its concentration gradient. MCTs are expressed in various tissues, including muscle, brain, heart, and red blood cells, and play a significant role in lactate shuttling between different tissues. The movement of lactate across the membrane is facilitated by the binding of lactate to the MCT protein. Once lactate binds, a conformational change occurs in the MCT protein, enabling the transport of lactate across the membrane. This process is influenced by factors such as the concentration gradient of lactate, pH, and the presence of other substrates. The direction of lactate transport can be either into or out of the cell, depending on the concentration gradient and the metabolic needs of the cell. For instance, during strenuous exercise, lactate produced in muscle cells is transported into the bloodstream via MCTs, where it can be taken up by other tissues like the liver for gluconeogenesis or by the heart for energy production. Conversely, in tissues with low metabolic activity, lactate can be transported into cells via MCTs to be utilized as an energy source. Overall, lactate transmembrane transport is a vital process that ensures the efficient removal of lactate from cells, its distribution to other tissues, and its potential utilization as an energy source. This process plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and energy balance.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (18)