Target type: molecularfunction
Enables the transfer of betaine from one side of a membrane to the other. Betaine is the N-trimethyl derivative of an amino acid. [GOC:ai]
Amino-acid betaine transmembrane transporter activity refers to the process by which a protein embedded within a cell membrane facilitates the movement of betaine, a small organic molecule, across the membrane. Betaine, also known as trimethylglycine, plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including osmoregulation, detoxification, and methylation.
The amino-acid betaine transmembrane transporter protein binds to betaine on one side of the membrane, undergoes a conformational change, and then releases betaine on the other side. This process is often driven by the concentration gradient of betaine or by energy from ATP hydrolysis.
Betaine transport is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and protecting cells from stress. In osmoregulation, betaine helps cells adjust to changes in osmotic pressure, which can occur due to environmental changes or fluctuations in solute concentrations. In detoxification, betaine plays a role in removing toxic substances, such as heavy metals, from the cell. Finally, betaine serves as a methyl donor in various metabolic pathways, contributing to processes like DNA methylation and gene regulation.
The activity of amino-acid betaine transmembrane transporters is tightly regulated by various factors, including the availability of betaine, the presence of other solutes, and the cellular environment. Dysregulation of this activity can lead to cellular dysfunction and contribute to various diseases.'
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| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Solute carrier family 22 member 4 | A solute carrier family 22 member 4 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9H015] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Solute carrier family 22 member 5 | An organic cation/carnitine transporter 2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:O76082] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| carnitine | amino-acid betaine | human metabolite; mouse metabolite | |
| tetraethylammonium | Tetraethylammonium: A potassium-selective ion channel blocker. (From J Gen Phys 1994;104(1):173-90) | quaternary ammonium ion | |
| cephaloridine | cefaloridine : A cephalosporin compound having pyridinium-1-ylmethyl and 2-thienylacetamido side-groups. A first-generation semisynthetic derivative of cephalosporin C. Cephaloridine: A cephalosporin antibiotic. | beta-lactam antibiotic allergen; cephalosporin; semisynthetic derivative | antibacterial drug |
| ergothioneine | ergothioneine thione form : A L-histidine derivative that is N(alpha),N(alpha),N(alpha)-trimethyl-L-histidine in which the hydrogen at position 2 on the imdazole ring is replaced by a thioxo group. | 1,3-dihydroimidazole-2-thiones; amino-acid betaine; L-histidine derivative; sulfur-containing amino acid | antioxidant; chelator; fungal metabolite; plant metabolite; xenobiotic metabolite |
| cefepime | cefepime : A cephalosporin bearing (1-methylpyrrolidinium-1-yl)methyl and (2Z)-2-(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-2-(methoxyimino)acetamido groups at positions 3 and 7, respectively, of the cephem skeleton. Cefepime: A fourth-generation cephalosporin antibacterial agent that is used in the treatment of infections, including those of the abdomen, urinary tract, respiratory tract, and skin. It is effective against PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA and may also be used in the empiric treatment of FEBRILE NEUTROPENIA. | cephalosporin; oxime O-ether | antibacterial drug |
| acetylcarnitine | O-acetyl-L-carnitine : An O-acyl-L-carnitine where the acyl group specified is acetyl. It facilitates movement of acetyl-CoA into the matrices of mammalian mitochondria during the oxidation of fatty acids. | O-acetylcarnitine; saturated fatty acyl-L-carnitine | human metabolite; Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite |