Target type: molecularfunction
Enables the transfer of L-ascorbate from one side of a membrane to the other. L-ascorbate, (2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-4-hydroxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-3-olate, is vitamin C and has co-factor and anti-oxidant activities in many species. [ISBN:0198506732]
L-ascorbic acid transmembrane transporter activity is a molecular function that describes the ability of a protein to facilitate the movement of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) across cell membranes. This transport is essential for maintaining intracellular vitamin C levels, which are crucial for various cellular processes, including:
* **Collagen synthesis:** Vitamin C acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen biosynthesis, which is essential for connective tissue integrity, wound healing, and blood vessel formation.
* **Antioxidant defense:** Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage.
* **Immune function:** Vitamin C plays a role in immune cell function, including the production of antibodies and the activation of immune cells.
* **Iron absorption:** Vitamin C enhances iron absorption from the gut.
* **Neurotransmitter synthesis:** Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
L-ascorbic acid transmembrane transporters are membrane proteins that possess specific binding sites for vitamin C and facilitate its movement across the membrane via various mechanisms, including:
* **Facilitated diffusion:** This mechanism involves the protein binding to vitamin C and transporting it down its concentration gradient, from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
* **Active transport:** This mechanism requires energy to move vitamin C against its concentration gradient, from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration.
The specific mechanism of transport may vary depending on the transporter protein and the cell type. However, all L-ascorbic acid transmembrane transporters share the common function of ensuring adequate intracellular vitamin C levels, which are essential for maintaining cellular health and function.'
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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) |
| 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) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |