Sulfate transporter

Sulfate transporter is a type of protein that facilitates the transport of sulfate ions across the cell membrane. These transporters are essential for various biological processes, including the synthesis of sulfur-containing molecules, detoxification, and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis.

Structure and Function

Sulfate transporters are integral membrane proteins that span the cell membrane. They have a specific binding site for sulfate ions, which allows them to selectively transport these ions across the membrane. The transport process is typically driven by the electrochemical gradient across the membrane.

Sulfate transporters play a crucial role in the uptake of sulfate from the environment, which is necessary for the synthesis of sulfur-containing molecules such as cysteine and methionine. These molecules are essential for protein synthesis and other cellular functions.

In addition to their role in sulfate uptake, sulfate transporters are also involved in the detoxification process. They can transport sulfate ions into the cell, where they can be used to detoxify potentially harmful substances.

Types of Sulfate Transporters

There are several types of sulfate transporters, including:

• Solute carrier family 26 (SLC26): This family of transporters is involved in the transport of a variety of anions, including sulfate. Members of this family are found in various tissues and organs, including the kidney, intestine, and thyroid gland.

• Solute carrier family 13 (SLC13): This family of transporters is involved in the transport of sulfate and other anions. Members of this family are found in the liver, brain, and placenta.

Clinical Significance

Mutations in the genes encoding sulfate transporters can lead to various diseases. For example, mutations in the SLC26A2 gene, which encodes a sulfate transporter, can cause diastrophic dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder characterized by skeletal abnormalities.

Furthermore, sulfate transporters are potential targets for drug development. Modulating the activity of these transporters could be beneficial in the treatment of diseases associated with abnormal sulfate transport, such as inflammatory bowel disease and cystic fibrosis.

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Sulfate transporter protein

See Also

• Solute carrier family
• Transport protein
• Cell membrane