Target type: molecularfunction
Enables the transfer of a nucleobase, any nitrogenous base that is a constituent of a nucleoside, nucleotide, or nucleic acidfrom one side of a membrane to the other. [ISBN:0198506732]
Nucleobase transmembrane transporter activity refers to the process by which specific proteins embedded within cell membranes facilitate the movement of nucleobases, the fundamental building blocks of DNA and RNA, across the membrane. This transport is essential for various cellular functions, including:
- **DNA replication and repair:** Nucleobases are required as building blocks for DNA synthesis, and transport across membranes allows cells to acquire these essential components.
- **RNA transcription and translation:** Nucleobases are necessary for RNA synthesis and are transported across membranes to enable the production of proteins.
- **Signal transduction and metabolic pathways:** Some nucleobases act as signaling molecules or participate in metabolic pathways, and their transport across membranes is crucial for these processes.
These transporter proteins exhibit selectivity, meaning they only bind and transport specific nucleobases, such as adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil. This selectivity is achieved through the specific interactions between the transporter protein and the nucleobase, mediated by structural features and chemical properties of both molecules.
The transport mechanism can vary depending on the specific transporter protein and the type of nucleobase. Some transporters utilize passive diffusion, where nucleobases move across the membrane down their concentration gradient. Others employ active transport, requiring energy to move nucleobases against their concentration gradient.
Overall, nucleobase transmembrane transporter activity plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, DNA replication, RNA synthesis, and various metabolic pathways. Dysfunction in these transporters can have detrimental consequences for cell function and organismal health.'
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| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Solute carrier family 23 member 1 | A solute carrier family 23 member 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9UHI7] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 2 | An equilibrative nucleoside transporter 2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q14542] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| uridine | uridines | drug metabolite; fundamental metabolite; human metabolite | |
| adenosine | quinquefolan B: isolated from roots of Panax quinquefolium L.; RN not in Chemline 10/87; RN from Toxlit | adenosines; purines D-ribonucleoside | analgesic; anti-arrhythmia drug; fundamental metabolite; human metabolite; vasodilator agent |
| tecadenoson | tecadenoson: an A1 adenosine receptor agonist | ||
| ascorbic acid | Ascorbic Acid: A six carbon compound related to glucose. It is found naturally in citrus fruits and many vegetables. Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient in human diets, and necessary to maintain connective tissue and bone. Its biologically active form, vitamin C, functions as a reducing agent and coenzyme in several metabolic pathways. Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant. L-ascorbate : The L-enantiomer of ascorbate and conjugate base of L-ascorbic acid, arising from selective deprotonation of the 3-hydroxy group. Required for a range of essential metabolic reactions in all animals and plants. L-ascorbic acid : The L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid and conjugate acid of L-ascorbate. vitamin C : Any member of a group of vitamers that belong to the chemical structural class called butenolides that exhibit biological activity against vitamin C deficiency in animals. The vitamers include L-ascorbic acid and its salt, ionized and oxidized forms. | ascorbic acid; vitamin C | coenzyme; cofactor; flour treatment agent; food antioxidant; food colour retention agent; geroprotector; plant metabolite; skin lightening agent |