Page last updated: 2024-10-24

uracil transmembrane transport

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process in which uracil is transported across a membrane. [GO_REF:0000069, GOC:TermGenie, PMID:8948441]

Uracil transmembrane transport is a critical biological process that enables the movement of uracil across cell membranes. Uracil, a pyrimidine base found in RNA, is essential for various cellular functions, including protein synthesis and energy production. Its transport across membranes is tightly regulated, ensuring an appropriate intracellular uracil concentration for optimal cellular processes.

The process of uracil transmembrane transport is facilitated by specialized membrane proteins known as uracil permeases. These proteins act as carriers, binding uracil on one side of the membrane and transporting it to the other side. The direction of transport can be either inward (into the cell) or outward (out of the cell), depending on the specific permease and the concentration gradient of uracil across the membrane.

Uracil permeases typically exhibit high specificity for uracil, meaning they bind and transport uracil with minimal affinity for other pyrimidines or nucleobases. This specificity is crucial for maintaining the proper balance of different nucleotide bases within the cell.

The mechanism of uracil permease-mediated transport involves a series of conformational changes in the protein. Upon binding uracil, the permease undergoes a structural rearrangement that allows the uracil molecule to be transported across the membrane. This process is often coupled to the movement of ions, such as protons or sodium ions, which can provide the necessary energy for transport.

The regulation of uracil transmembrane transport is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Changes in the expression or activity of uracil permeases can affect the intracellular uracil concentration, impacting various cellular functions. For instance, increased uracil transport can lead to increased RNA synthesis and protein production, while decreased transport can result in uracil depletion and impaired cellular processes.

Uracil transmembrane transport is an essential biological process that plays a vital role in maintaining cellular function. The intricate interplay between uracil permeases, membrane structure, and regulatory mechanisms ensures the precise and efficient transport of uracil across cell membranes, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the cell.'
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Proteins (2)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1An equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q99808]Homo sapiens (human)
Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 2An equilibrative nucleoside transporter 2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q14542]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (19)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
dilazepdilazep : A member of the class of diazepanes that is 1,4-diazepane substituted by 3-[(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)oxy]propyl groups at positions 1 and 4. It is a potent adenosine uptake inhibitor that exhibits antiplatelet, antianginal and vasodilator properties.

Dilazep: Coronary vasodilator with some antiarrhythmic activity.
benzoate ester;
diazepane;
diester;
methoxybenzenes
cardioprotective agent;
platelet aggregation inhibitor;
vasodilator agent
dipyridamoledipyridamole : A pyrimidopyrimidine that is 2,2',2'',2'''-(pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrimidine-2,6-diyldinitrilo)tetraethanol substituted by piperidin-1-yl groups at positions 4 and 8 respectively. A vasodilator agent, it inhibits the formation of blood clots.

Dipyridamole: A phosphodiesterase inhibitor that blocks uptake and metabolism of adenosine by erythrocytes and vascular endothelial cells. Dipyridamole also potentiates the antiaggregating action of prostacyclin. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p752)
piperidines;
pyrimidopyrimidine;
tertiary amino compound;
tetrol
adenosine phosphodiesterase inhibitor;
EC 3.5.4.4 (adenosine deaminase) inhibitor;
platelet aggregation inhibitor;
vasodilator agent
lidoflazineLidoflazine: Coronary vasodilator with some antiarrhythmic action.diarylmethane
uridineuridinesdrug metabolite;
fundamental metabolite;
human metabolite
phlorhizinaryl beta-D-glucoside;
dihydrochalcones;
monosaccharide derivative
antioxidant;
plant metabolite
methylthioinosineMethylthioinosine: 6-(Methylthio)-9-beta-D-ribofuranosylpurine. An analog of inosine with a methylthio group replacing the hydroxyl group in the 6-position.purine ribonucleoside;
thiopurine
hyaluronoglucosaminidasekinetin riboside: preferentially induces apoptosis by modulating Bcl-2 family proteins and caspase-3 in cancer cells; structure in first sourcepurine nucleoside
gemcitabinegemcitabine : A 2'-deoxycytidine having geminal fluoro substituents in the 2'-position. An inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase, gemcitabine is used in the treatment of various carcinomas, particularly non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer and breast cancer.organofluorine compound;
pyrimidine 2'-deoxyribonucleoside
antimetabolite;
antineoplastic agent;
antiviral drug;
DNA synthesis inhibitor;
EC 1.17.4.1 (ribonucleoside-diphosphate reductase) inhibitor;
environmental contaminant;
immunosuppressive agent;
photosensitizing agent;
prodrug;
radiosensitizing agent;
xenobiotic
draflazinedraflazine: a nucleoside transport inhibitor; has cardioprotective effect; draflazine is the (-)-enantiomer; R 88016 is the (+)-enantiomer
adenosinequinquefolan B: isolated from roots of Panax quinquefolium L.; RN not in Chemline 10/87; RN from Toxlitadenosines;
purines D-ribonucleoside
analgesic;
anti-arrhythmia drug;
fundamental metabolite;
human metabolite;
vasodilator agent
4-nitrobenzylthioinosine4-nitrobenzylthioinosine: inhibitor of nucleoside transport; acts on ENT1purine nucleoside
n(6)-benzyladenosineN(6)-benzyladenosine: RN given refers to parent cpd
6-(4-nitrobenzylthio)guanosine6-(4-nitrobenzylthio)guanosine: inhibitor of nucleoside transport
5-iodotubercidin7-iodotubercidin: inhibits Toxoplasma gondii adenosine kinaseorganoiodine compound
n(6)-phenyladenosinepurine nucleoside
tecadenosontecadenoson: an A1 adenosine receptor agonist
2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzylthioguanosine
n(6)-cyclopentyladenosine
6-benzylthioinosine6-benzylthioinosine: a subversive substrate of T gondii adenosine kinase; structure in first source