Cationic amino acid transporter 3
Cationic amino acid transporter 3 (CAT-3), also known as SLC7A3, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC7A3 gene. It is a member of the cationic amino acid transporter (CAT) family, which is a part of the larger family of amino acid transporters.
Function[edit]
The CAT-3 protein is a membrane protein that transports cationic amino acids (arginine, lysine, and ornithine) across the cell membrane. This transport is essential for various physiological processes, including protein synthesis, cell growth, and cell signaling.
Structure[edit]
The CAT-3 protein is composed of 14 transmembrane domains, with both the N- and C-termini located in the cytoplasm. The protein also contains a large extracellular loop between the third and fourth transmembrane domains, which is thought to be involved in substrate recognition and binding.
Clinical significance[edit]
Mutations in the SLC7A3 gene have been associated with various medical conditions, including autism, schizophrenia, and X-linked intellectual disability. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of CAT-3 in these conditions.
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