Target type: biologicalprocess
The directed, sodium-dependent, movement of organic cations into, out of or within a cell, or between cells, by means of some agent such as a transporter or pore. [GOC:BHF, GOC:mah]
Sodium-dependent organic cation transport is a crucial process that mediates the movement of various organic cations across cell membranes. This process is primarily driven by the electrochemical gradient of sodium ions (Na+), which provides the energy for the uphill transport of organic cations against their concentration gradients.
The mechanism involves specialized membrane proteins known as organic cation transporters (OCTs), which act as carriers for these substrates. OCTs are integral membrane proteins with multiple transmembrane domains, forming a channel through which organic cations can pass.
The process begins with the binding of an organic cation to the OCT protein on the extracellular side of the membrane. This binding event triggers a conformational change in the OCT protein, allowing the organic cation to move into the channel. Simultaneously, Na+ ions bind to the transporter, facilitating the translocation of the organic cation across the membrane.
As the organic cation moves through the channel, Na+ ions detach from the transporter, enabling the organic cation to be released into the intracellular compartment. This movement is driven by the electrochemical gradient of Na+, which is maintained by the activity of the sodium-potassium pump.
Sodium-dependent organic cation transport plays a significant role in various physiological processes, including:
- **Drug disposition:** OCTs contribute to the absorption, distribution, and elimination of numerous drugs, including antibiotics, antivirals, and antipsychotics.
- **Neurotransmission:** Organic cations, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, are neurotransmitters that are transported by OCTs in the brain, influencing neuronal signaling.
- **Cellular detoxification:** OCTs help remove toxic organic cations from cells, preventing their accumulation and potential harm.
Dysregulation of sodium-dependent organic cation transport can lead to various pathological conditions, including drug resistance, neurological disorders, and impaired detoxification. Therefore, understanding the intricacies of this process is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies for these conditions.'
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| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Solute carrier family 22 member 5 | An organic cation/carnitine transporter 2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:O76082] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| carnitine | amino-acid betaine | human metabolite; mouse metabolite | |
| cephaloridine | cefaloridine : A cephalosporin compound having pyridinium-1-ylmethyl and 2-thienylacetamido side-groups. A first-generation semisynthetic derivative of cephalosporin C. Cephaloridine: A cephalosporin antibiotic. | beta-lactam antibiotic allergen; cephalosporin; semisynthetic derivative | antibacterial drug |
| cefepime | cefepime : A cephalosporin bearing (1-methylpyrrolidinium-1-yl)methyl and (2Z)-2-(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-2-(methoxyimino)acetamido groups at positions 3 and 7, respectively, of the cephem skeleton. Cefepime: A fourth-generation cephalosporin antibacterial agent that is used in the treatment of infections, including those of the abdomen, urinary tract, respiratory tract, and skin. It is effective against PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA and may also be used in the empiric treatment of FEBRILE NEUTROPENIA. | cephalosporin; oxime O-ether | antibacterial drug |
| acetylcarnitine | O-acetyl-L-carnitine : An O-acyl-L-carnitine where the acyl group specified is acetyl. It facilitates movement of acetyl-CoA into the matrices of mammalian mitochondria during the oxidation of fatty acids. | O-acetylcarnitine; saturated fatty acyl-L-carnitine | human metabolite; Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite |