Page last updated: 2024-10-24

L-glutamate import across plasma membrane

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The directed movement of L-glutamate from outside of a cell, across the plasma membrane and into the cytosol. [GOC:dos]

L-glutamate import across the plasma membrane is a crucial process for neuronal function and is facilitated by specialized transporter proteins. Glutamate, a primary excitatory neurotransmitter, is transported into the presynaptic neuron by excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs). EAATs belong to a family of solute carriers that use the electrochemical gradient of sodium (Na+) to drive the uptake of glutamate. This process involves the following steps:

1. **Binding:** L-glutamate binds to the extracellular domain of the EAAT transporter protein.
2. **Cotransport:** The binding of glutamate triggers a conformational change in the transporter, allowing the simultaneous movement of three Na+ ions and one proton (H+) into the cell along with glutamate. This cotransport is driven by the electrochemical gradient of Na+, which is maintained by the Na+/K+ ATPase pump.
3. **Translocation:** The transporter protein then undergoes another conformational change, delivering glutamate to the intracellular domain.
4. **Release:** Glutamate is released into the cytoplasm, where it can be used for neurotransmission or further metabolized.

The net effect of this process is the removal of glutamate from the synaptic cleft and its accumulation within the presynaptic neuron. This ensures efficient signal termination and prevents excitotoxicity, which can occur when glutamate levels are excessively high. The import of glutamate into neurons is essential for proper neuronal function and plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory formation.

EAATs are expressed in different brain regions and are highly regulated by various factors, including neuronal activity, neurotransmitters, and hormones. Dysregulation of EAAT function can lead to neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke.

Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of L-glutamate import is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies to treat these conditions.'
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Proteins (7)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Cystine/glutamate transporterA cystine/glutamate transporter that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9UPY5]Homo sapiens (human)
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1A metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q13255]Homo sapiens (human)
Presenilin-1A presenilin-1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P49768]Homo sapiens (human)
Excitatory amino acid transporter 3An excitatory amino acid transporter 3 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P43005]Homo sapiens (human)
Excitatory amino acid transporter 2An excitatory amino acid transporter 2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P43004]Homo sapiens (human)
Excitatory amino acid transporter 1An excitatory amino acid transporter 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P43003]Homo sapiens (human)
Neurotensin receptor type 1A neurotensin receptor type 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:P30989]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (97)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acidalpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid: An IBOTENIC ACID homolog and glutamate agonist. The compound is the defining agonist for the AMPA subtype of glutamate receptors (RECEPTORS, AMPA). It has been used as a radionuclide imaging agent but is more commonly used as an experimental tool in cell biological studies.non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid
alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine
ibotenic acidIbotenic Acid: A neurotoxic isoxazole (similar to KAINIC ACID and MUSCIMOL) found in AMANITA mushrooms. It causes motor depression, ataxia, and changes in mood, perceptions and feelings, and is a potent excitatory amino acid agonist.non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acidneurotoxin
4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenylglycine4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenylglycine: weak agonist at metabotropic glutamate receptors; occludes the action of 1-aminocyclopentyl-1,3-dicarboxylate in hippocampushydroxybenzoic acid
1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid: structure given in first source
tocopheroxy radicaltocopheroxy radical: RN given refers to radical ion (1+), (2R-(2R*(4R*,8R*)))-isomer; RN for cpd without isomeric designation not available 12/90tocopherol
7-amino-4-chloro-3-methoxy-2-benzopyran-1-oneisocoumarins
mesalaminemesalamine : A monohydroxybenzoic acid that is salicylic acid substituted by an amino group at the 5-position.

Mesalamine: An anti-inflammatory agent, structurally related to the SALICYLATES, which is active in INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE. It is considered to be the active moiety of SULPHASALAZINE. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed)
amino acid;
aromatic amine;
monocarboxylic acid;
monohydroxybenzoic acid;
phenols
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
4-carboxyphenylglycine4-carboxyphenylglycine: RN given for (+-)-isomer; RN for cpd without isomeric designation not available 3/93; glutamate receptor antagonistalpha-amino acid
sulfapyridinesulfapyridine : A sulfonamide consisting of pyridine with a 4-aminobenzenesulfonamido group at the 2-position.

Sulfapyridine: Antibacterial, potentially toxic, used to treat certain skin diseases.
pyridines;
substituted aniline;
sulfonamide;
sulfonamide antibiotic
antiinfective agent;
dermatologic drug;
drug allergen;
environmental contaminant;
xenobiotic
sulfasalazinesulfasalazine : An azobenzene consisting of diphenyldiazene having a carboxy substituent at the 4-position, a hydroxy substituent at the 3-position and a 2-pyridylaminosulphonyl substituent at the 4'-position.

Sulfasalazine: A drug that is used in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. Its activity is generally considered to lie in its metabolic breakdown product, 5-aminosalicylic acid (see MESALAMINE) released in the colon. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p907)
cysteinecysteine;
cysteine zwitterion;
L-alpha-amino acid;
proteinogenic amino acid;
serine family amino acid
EC 4.3.1.3 (histidine ammonia-lyase) inhibitor;
flour treatment agent;
human metabolite
aspartic acidaspartic acid : An alpha-amino acid that consists of succinic acid bearing a single alpha-amino substituent

Aspartic Acid: One of the non-essential amino acids commonly occurring in the L-form. It is found in animals and plants, especially in sugar cane and sugar beets. It may be a neurotransmitter.

L-aspartic acid : The L-enantiomer of aspartic acid.
aspartate family amino acid;
aspartic acid;
L-alpha-amino acid;
proteinogenic amino acid
Escherichia coli metabolite;
mouse metabolite;
neurotransmitter
d-glutamateD-alpha-amino acid;
glutamic acid
Escherichia coli metabolite;
mouse metabolite
glutamic acidglutamic acid : An alpha-amino acid that is glutaric acid bearing a single amino substituent at position 2.

Glutamic Acid: A non-essential amino acid naturally occurring in the L-form. Glutamic acid is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
glutamic acid;
glutamine family amino acid;
L-alpha-amino acid;
proteinogenic amino acid
Escherichia coli metabolite;
ferroptosis inducer;
micronutrient;
mouse metabolite;
neurotransmitter;
nutraceutical
quisqualic acidQuisqualic Acid: An agonist at two subsets of excitatory amino acid receptors, ionotropic receptors that directly control membrane channels and metabotropic receptors that indirectly mediate calcium mobilization from intracellular stores. The compound is obtained from the seeds and fruit of Quisqualis chinensis.non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid
1-amino-1,3-dicarboxycyclopentane, (trans)-isomer
d-aspartic acidaspartic acid;
D-alpha-amino acid
mouse metabolite
L-2-aminoadipic acidL-2-aminoadipic acid : The L-enantiomer of 2-aminoadipic acid.2-aminoadipic acidEscherichia coli metabolite;
human metabolite
tarenflurbiltarenflurbil: R-enantiomer of flurbiprofen but not a COX inhibitor; modulates NF-kB, gamma-secretase, amyloid beta-protein;flurbiprofen
cholanic acid5beta-cholanic acids;
cholanic acid
sym 2081
alpha-aminopimelic acid2-aminopimelic acid : An amino dicarboxylic acid that is heptanedioic acid in which a hydrogen at position 2 is replaced by an amino group. It is a component of the cell wall peptidoglycan of bacteria.

alpha-aminopimelic acid: antagonizes glutamate-induced inhibitions of Helix neurones
amino dicarboxylic acid;
non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid
bacterial metabolite
1-amino-1,3-dicarboxycyclopentane1-amino-1,3-dicarboxycyclopentane: RN given refers to (cis)-isomer
dihydrokainatedicarboxylic acid
sr 48692SR 48692: structure in first source; a neurotensin receptor-1 antagonistN-acyl-amino acid
alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid
philanthotoxin 343philanthotoxin 343: structure given in first source (see article's footnote); identical to philanthotoxin 433 except that the number of methylene groups between the respective amine moieties is 3,4,3 instead of 4,3,3N-acyl-amino acid
serine o-sulfateL-serine O-sulfate : A non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid that is the O-sulfo derivative of L-serine.

serine O-sulfate: RN given refers to (L)-isomer
L-serine derivative;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid;
O-sulfoamino acid
alpha-amino-3-(hydroxy)-5-methyl-4-isoxazoleacetic acidalpha-amino-3-(hydroxy)-5-methyl-4-isoxazoleacetic acid: RN given refers to cpd without isomeric designation; structure given in first source
homocysteic acidhomocysteic acid : A non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid that is homocysteine in which the thiol group has benn oxidised to the corresponding sulfonic acid.

homocysteic acid: promotes growth in hypophysectomized rats; RN given refers to parent cpd

L-homocysteic acid : A homocysteic acid with L-configuration.
homocysteic acidNMDA receptor agonist
2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid(2S)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoic acid : A non-proteinogenc L-alpha-amino acid that is L-alpha-aminobutyric acid in which one of the hydrogens of the terminal methyl group has been replaced by a dihydroxy(oxido)-lambda(5)-phosphanyl group. It is a potent and selective agonist for the group III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR4/6/7/8).non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid;
phosphonic acids
metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist
eglumetadeglumetad: LY-354740 is the active isomer, LY-366563 is the inactive isomer, and LY 314582 is the racemate; structure given in first sourceL-alpha-amino acid
hinokininhinokinin : A lignan that is dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (gamma-butyrolactone) substituted by a 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl group at positions 3 and 4 (the 3R,4R-diastereoisomer).

hinokinin: suppresses expression of both HBsAg and HBeAg
benzodioxoles;
gamma-lactone;
lignan
trypanocidal drug
3-hydroxyaspartic acid, (threo-l)-isomer(3S)-3-hydroxy-L-aspartic acid : The (3S)-diastereomer of 3-hydroxy-L-aspartic acid.3-hydroxy-L-aspartic acidmetabolite
3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine(S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine : A glycine derivative that is L-alpha-phenylglycine substituted at positions 3 and 5 on the phenyl ring by hydroxy groups.amino acid zwitterion;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid;
resorcinols
alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine(S)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine : A non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid that is alanine in which the alpha-hydrogen is replaced by a 4-carboxyphenyl group (the S-enantiomer). It is a non-selective group I/group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonist.

alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine: glutamate receptor antagonist
non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acidmetabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist
t0901317T0901317: an LXRalpha and LXRbeta agonist
9-(dimethylamino)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-pyrido[1,2]thieno[3,4-d]pyrimidinoneorganic heterobicyclic compound;
organonitrogen heterocyclic compound;
organosulfur heterocyclic compound
4-bromohomoibotenic acid, (rs)-isomer
6-methyl-2-(phenylethynyl)pyridine2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine : A methylpyridine that coinsists of 2-methylp[yridine bearing an additional phenylethynyl group at position 6. Potent and highly selective non-competitive antagonist at the mGlu5 receptor subtype (IC50 = 36 nM) and a positive allosteric modulator at mGlu4 receptors. Centrally active following systemic administration in vivo. Reverses mechanical hyperalgesia in the inflamed rat hind paw.

6-methyl-2-(phenylethynyl)pyridine: an mGlu5 antagonist
acetylenic compound;
methylpyridines
anxiolytic drug;
metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist
susalimodsusalimod: analogue of sulphasalazine, was designed for use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
4-methylglutamic acid, threo-(l)-isomer
2-amino-3-phenylmethoxybutanedioic acidaspartic acid derivative
sib 1757SIB 1757: a selective mGluR5 antagonist; structure in first source
l-2-(carboxypropyl)glycine
l-ccg iii
2-(2,3-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine
2r,4r-4-aminopyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylatepyrrolidinedicarboxylic acid
upf 596UPF 596: structure in first source
dl-threo-beta-benzyloxyaspartate
ly-367385
n-(n-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)alanyl)phenylglycine tert-butyl esterDAPT : A dipeptide consisting of alanylphenylglycine derivatised as a 3,5-difluorophenylacetamide at the amino terminal and a tert-butyl ester at the carboxy terminal. A gamma-secretase inhibitor.carboxylic ester;
difluorobenzene;
dipeptide;
tert-butyl ester
EC 3.4.23.46 (memapsin 2) inhibitor
neurotensin
sib 1893SIB 1893: a selective mGluR5 antagonist; structure in first source
sr 142948SR 142948: structurally similar to SR-48692N-acyl-amino acid
4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenylglycine
sulindac sulfidesulindac sulfide : An aryl sulfide that is a metabolite of sulindac. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which also has anticancer activity.

sulindac sulfide: sulfated analog of indomethacin & inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis in vitro; RN given refers to cpd without isomeric designation; structure given in first source
aryl sulfide;
monocarboxylic acid;
organofluorine compound
antineoplastic agent;
apoptosis inducer;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
ceftriaxone1,2,4-triazines;
1,3-thiazoles;
cephalosporin;
oxime O-ether
antibacterial drug;
drug allergen;
EC 3.5.2.6 (beta-lactamase) inhibitor
l 685458L 685458: a gamma-secretase inhibitor; structure in first source

L-685,458 : A peptide and carboxamide that is L-leucyl-L-phenylalaninamide, L-Leu-L-Phe-NH2, which has been acylated on the N-terminus by a Phe-Phe hydroxyethylene dipeptide isotere, 2R-benzyl-5S-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-4R-hydroxy-6-phenylhexanoic acid. Compounds based on the structure of L-685,458 are potent inhibitors of gamma-secretase, which mediates the final catalytic step that generates the amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta), which assembles into the neurotoxic aggregates in the brains of sufferers of Alzheimer's disease.
carbamate ester;
monocarboxylic acid amide;
peptide;
secondary alcohol
EC 3.4.23.46 (memapsin 2) inhibitor;
peptidomimetic
1-amino-1,3-dicarboxycyclopentane, cis-(1s,3s)-isomer
ampa, (r)-isomer
1-aminocyclopentane-1,3,4-tricarboxylic acid1-aminocyclopentane-1,3,4-tricarboxylic acid: metabolic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonist; structure in first source
3-((2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl)piperidine3-((2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl)piperidine: an excitatory amino acid antagonist
mk 0752
ly 341495xanthenes
mgs 0028MGS 0028: a group II mGluR agonist; structure in first source
ly 450139peptide
bay36-7620BAY36-7620: a potent non-competitive mGlu1 receptor antagonist with inverse agonist activity. ; structure in first source
sr 48527SR 48527: SR 48527 is the S-enantiomer; SR-49711 is the R-enantiomer
sr 142948aSR 142948A: structure in first source
4-n-butyl-1-(4-(2-methylphenyl)-4-oxo-1-butyl)-piperidine hydrogen chloride
chf 50741-(3',4'-dichloro-2-fluoro(1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl)cyclopropanecarboxylic acid: a beta-amyloid(1-42) lowering agent; structure in first source
ly 389795LY 389795: a group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist; structure in first source
ly 379268LY 379268 : An organic heterobicyclic compound that is (1R,5S)-2-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane carrying amino, carboxy, and carboxy groups at positions 4R, 4R and 6R, respectively. It is a potent agonist of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR2 and mGluR3 (EC50 = 2.69 nM and 4.48 nM, respectively) that exhibits antipsychotic-like action in animal models of schizophrenia.

LY 379268: group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist; structure in first source
amino dicarboxylic acid;
bridged compound;
organic heterobicyclic compound
antipsychotic agent;
anxiolytic drug;
metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist;
neuroprotective agent
ly 411575dibenzoazepine;
difluorobenzene;
lactam;
secondary alcohol
EC 3.4.23.46 (memapsin 2) inhibitor
r 214127R 214127: an mGlu1 receptor ligand; structure in first source
erastinerastin : A member of the class of quinazolines that is quinazolin-4(3H)-one in which the hydrogens at positions 2 and 3 are replaced by 1-{4-[(4-chlorophenoxy)acetyl]piperazin-1-yl}ethyl and 2-ethoxyphenyl groups, respectively. It is an inhibitor of voltage-dependent anion-selective channels (VDAC2 and VDAC3) and a potent ferroptosis inducer.

erastin: an antineoplastic agent; structure in first source
aromatic ether;
diether;
monochlorobenzenes;
N-acylpiperazine;
N-alkylpiperazine;
quinazolines;
tertiary carboxamide
antineoplastic agent;
ferroptosis inducer;
voltage-dependent anion channel inhibitor
4-(2-((1r)-1-(((4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl)-2,5-difluoroanilino)ethyl)-5-fluorophenyl)butanoic acidsulfonamide
begacestat
jnj16259685organic heterotricyclic compound;
organonitrogen heterocyclic compound;
oxacycle
a 794282
a-841720A-841720: structure in first source
e 2012
mrk 560MRK 560: a gamma-secretase inhibitor; MRK-560 is the (cis)-isomer; structure in first source
l-beta-threo-benzyl-aspartateL-beta-threo-benzyl-aspartate: structure in first source
sp 2033-fluoro-5-(2-(2-(fluoromethyl)thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl)benzonitrile: a radioligand for mGlu5 receptor; structure in first source
neurotensinneurotensin, Tyr(11)-: RN given refers to parent cpd & (D)-isomer; RN for cpd without isomeric designation not avail 5/91peptide hormonehuman metabolite;
mitogen;
neurotransmitter;
vulnerary
ucph 1012-amino-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-7-(naphthalen-1-yl)-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile: structure in first source
1, 3-di-(n-carboxybenzoyl-leucyl-leucyl)amino acetone1, 3-di-(N-carboxybenzoyl-leucyl-leucyl)amino acetone: structure in first source
nitd 609NITD 609: an antimalarial and coccidiostat; structure in first source
pf 3084014nirogacestat : A member of the class of imidazoles that is 1H-imidazole substituted by a 1-[(2,2-dimethylpropyl)amino]-2-methylpropan-2-yl group at position 1 and a {N-[(2S)-6,8-difluoro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl]-L-norvalyl}amino group at position 4. It is a gamma-secretase inhibitor whose hydrobromide salt is indicated for adult patients with progressing desmoid tumours who require systemic treatment.

nirogacestat: an antineoplastic agent
bms 708163BMS 708163: structure in first sourceoxadiazole;
ring assembly
ro 4929097dibenzoazepine;
dicarboxylic acid diamide;
lactam;
organofluorine compound
EC 3.4.23.46 (memapsin 2) inhibitor
jnj 40418677
(r)-4-cyclopropyl-7,8-difluoro-5-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl)-4,5-dihydro-1h-pyrazolo(4,3-c)quinoline(R)-4-cyclopropyl-7,8-difluoro-5-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo(4,3-c)quinoline: gamma secretase inhibitor; structure in first source
fenobamfenobam: in USAN fenobam refers to monohydrateureas