L-ornithine transmembrane transporter activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables the transfer of L-ornithine from one side of a membrane to the other. L-ornithine is 2,5-diaminopentanoic acid. [GOC:ai, GOC:mtg_transport, ISBN:0815340729]

L-ornithine transmembrane transporter activity refers to the protein-mediated movement of the amino acid L-ornithine across a cellular membrane. This process is crucial for various biological functions, including: 1) Ornithine biosynthesis and metabolism: L-ornithine is a precursor for the synthesis of polyamines, which play essential roles in cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. The transport of L-ornithine across the membrane is essential for maintaining the intracellular pool of this amino acid, thus supporting its utilization in these biosynthetic pathways. 2) Urea cycle: The urea cycle is a metabolic pathway that detoxifies ammonia, a toxic byproduct of nitrogen metabolism. L-ornithine is a key component of this cycle, and its transmembrane transport is critical for the efficient elimination of ammonia. 3) Arginine biosynthesis: L-ornithine can be converted to L-arginine, an essential amino acid involved in numerous cellular processes, including protein synthesis and nitric oxide production. The transport of L-ornithine is essential for maintaining adequate intracellular levels of this amino acid, facilitating arginine biosynthesis. 4) Other cellular functions: L-ornithine also plays a role in other cellular processes, such as regulation of cell volume, and signal transduction. The transport of L-ornithine across the membrane is crucial for the proper functioning of these processes. The L-ornithine transmembrane transporter activity is carried out by specific membrane proteins, such as the ornithine transporter SLC25A15, which facilitate the movement of L-ornithine across the membrane. These transporters exhibit high substrate specificity, ensuring the selective transport of L-ornithine over other amino acids. The activity of these transporters is regulated by various factors, including cellular metabolic state, hormonal signals, and substrate availability. The disruption of L-ornithine transmembrane transporter activity can lead to various pathological conditions, including genetic disorders affecting amino acid metabolism, liver diseases, and cancer.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)