L-aspartate transmembrane transporter activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables the transfer of L-aspartate from one side of a membrane to the other. L-aspartate is the anion derived from aspartic acid. [GOC:go_curators, GOC:mtg_transport, ISBN:0198506732, ISBN:0815340729]

L-aspartate transmembrane transporter activity describes the molecular process by which L-aspartate, a non-essential amino acid, is transported across cellular membranes. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating various metabolic pathways. Aspartate transporters are integral membrane proteins that facilitate the movement of aspartate molecules across the membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy input. They accomplish this by binding to aspartate on one side of the membrane and undergoing conformational changes that allow aspartate to pass through the membrane and release on the other side. This transport mechanism plays a significant role in various cellular functions, including amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and energy production. For example, aspartate is a precursor for the synthesis of other amino acids like asparagine and glutamate, which are crucial for protein synthesis and neurotransmission. Additionally, aspartate is involved in the urea cycle, a metabolic pathway that removes excess nitrogen from the body. Furthermore, aspartate can be transported into mitochondria, where it participates in the malate-aspartate shuttle, a process that shuttles electrons from glycolysis to the electron transport chain for ATP production. The dysfunction of L-aspartate transmembrane transporters can lead to various disorders, including neurological diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancer. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of L-aspartate transport is essential for developing therapeutic strategies for these conditions.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (21)