Neutral amino acid transporter A

Neutral Amino Acid Transporter A (NAAT-A) is a type of amino acid transporter that facilitates the movement of neutral amino acids across the cell membrane. These transporters play a crucial role in various physiological processes, including protein synthesis, cell signaling, and metabolism.

Function

NAAT-A is primarily involved in the transport of neutral amino acids, which are amino acids that have no net electrical charge at physiological pH. These include alanine, cysteine, glycine, serine, and threonine. The transporter moves these amino acids across the cell membrane, either into or out of the cell, depending on the cell's needs and the concentration gradient of the amino acids.

Structure

Like other amino acid transporters, NAAT-A is a transmembrane protein, meaning it spans the entire width of the cell membrane. It has multiple transmembrane domains, which are regions of the protein that pass through the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane. These domains form a channel through which the amino acids can move.

Clinical Significance

Defects in NAAT-A can lead to various health problems. For example, a deficiency in this transporter can result in a condition known as neutral aminoaciduria, which is characterized by the excessive excretion of neutral amino acids in the urine. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including growth retardation, mental retardation, and muscle weakness.

See Also

• Amino acid transporter
• Transmembrane protein
• Neutral aminoaciduria