polyol transmembrane transporter activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables the transfer of a polyol from one side of a membrane to the other. A polyol is any polyhydric alcohol. [ISBN:0198506732]

Polyol transmembrane transporter activity refers to the movement of polyols, which are sugar alcohols with multiple hydroxyl groups, across cell membranes. This process is crucial for various physiological functions, including:

1. **Sugar Metabolism:** Polyols, such as sorbitol and inositol, are often produced as intermediates in sugar metabolism and their transport is essential for maintaining proper sugar balance within cells.

2. **Osmoregulation:** Polyol transport plays a role in osmoregulation, the process of maintaining the proper water balance in cells. Some polyols, like glycerol, can act as osmotically active solutes, helping cells adjust to changes in environmental osmolarity.

3. **Stress Response:** Polyol transport can be upregulated under stress conditions, such as osmotic stress or oxidative stress, to protect cells from damage.

4. **Nutrient Uptake:** Polyol transporters can facilitate the uptake of essential polyols from the extracellular environment, providing cells with necessary nutrients.

5. **Drug Transport:** Some drugs and therapeutic agents are polyols or have polyol-like structures, and their transport across cell membranes can be mediated by polyol transporters.

Polyol transmembrane transporters are often membrane proteins with specific binding sites for polyols. These transporters can utilize different mechanisms for transport, including passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active transport. The specific mechanism and regulation of polyol transport can vary depending on the transporter protein and the cell type.'
"

Proteins (2)

Compounds (2)