nucleoside:sodium symporter activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables the transfer of a solute or solutes from one side of a membrane to the other according to the reaction: nucleoside(out) + Na+(out) = nucleoside(in) + Na+(in). [GOC:ai]

Nucleoside:sodium symporters are integral membrane proteins responsible for the transmembrane transport of nucleosides, a class of molecules essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. These transporters function by coupling the inward movement of nucleosides across the cell membrane with the inward movement of sodium ions down their electrochemical gradient. This process is driven by the energy stored in the sodium ion gradient, which is established by the sodium-potassium pump.

The symporter protein typically binds both a nucleoside and a sodium ion simultaneously. This binding event triggers a conformational change in the protein, facilitating the translocation of both molecules across the membrane. Once inside the cell, the nucleoside can be utilized for various metabolic processes, including DNA and RNA synthesis.

The specificity of nucleoside:sodium symporters varies depending on the specific transporter. Some transporters exhibit broad substrate specificity, transporting a wide range of nucleosides, while others display a high degree of selectivity for specific nucleoside types. The activity of these transporters is regulated by factors such as pH, membrane potential, and the presence of inhibitors.

Nucleoside:sodium symporters play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including the absorption of dietary nucleosides, the salvage pathway of nucleotide biosynthesis, and the transport of therapeutic nucleosides used in the treatment of viral infections and cancer. They are also implicated in the development of diseases such as gout and certain types of cancer.'
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Proteins (6)

Compounds (12)