SLC19A3 encodes a second thiamine transporter ThTr2.

Recently, a new family of facilitative carriers has been cloned consisting of the reduced folate (SLC19A1) and the thiamine (SLC19A2) transporters. Despite a high level of sequence identity and similarity there is essentially no functional overlap between these carriers. The former transports folates and the latter thiamine. In this paper we describe the function of SLC19A3, another member of this transporter family most recently cloned, after transient transfection of the cDNA into HeLa cells. Uptake of [3H]thiamine, but not of methotrexate nor folic acid, was enhanced in SLC19A3 transfectants relative to vector control. Similarly, in the transfectants thiamine transport increased with an increase in pH with peak activity at pH approximately 7.5. While [3H]thiamine uptake was markedly inhibited by nonlabeled thiamine it was not inhibited by several organic cations in 100-fold excess. Hence this carrier has a high degree of specificity for vitamin B1. The data indicate that SLC19A3 has the characteristics of SLC19A2 (ThTr1) and represents a second thiamine transporter (ThTr2) in this family of facilitative carriers.     

Biosynthesis of GlcNAc-rich N- and O-glycans in the Golgi apparatus does not require the nucleotide sugar transporter SLC35A3

Nucleotide sugar transporters, encoded by the SLC35 gene family, deliver nucleotide sugars throughout the cell for various glycosyltransferase-catalyzed glycosylation reactions. GlcNAc, in the form of UDP-GlcNAc, and galactose, as UDP-Gal, are delivered into the Golgi apparatus by SLC35A3 and SLC35A2 transporters, respectively. However, although the UDP-Gal transporting activity of SLC35A2 has been clearly demonstrated, UDP-GlcNAc delivery by SLC35A3 is not fully understood. Therefore, we analyzed a panel of CHO, HEK293T, and HepG2 cell lines including WT cells, SLC35A2 knockouts, SLC35A3 knockouts, and double-knockout cells. Cells lacking SLC35A2 displayed significant changes in N- and O-glycan synthesis. However, in SLC35A3-knockout CHO cells, only limited changes were observed; GlcNAc was still incorporated into N-glycans, but complex type N-glycan branching was impaired, although UDP-GlcNAc transport into Golgi vesicles was not decreased. In SLC35A3-knockout HEK293T cells, UDP-GlcNAc transport was significantly decreased but not completely abolished. However, N-glycan branching was not impaired in these cells. In CHO and HEK293T cells, the effect of SLC35A3 deficiency on N-glycan branching was potentiated in the absence of SLC35A2. Moreover, in SLC35A3-knockout HEK293T and HepG2 cells, GlcNAc was still incorporated into O-glycans. However, in the case of HepG2 cells, no qualitative changes in N-glycans between WT and SLC35A3 knockout cells nor between SLC35A2 knockout and double-knockout cells were observed. These findings suggest that SLC35A3 may not be the primary UDP-GlcNAc transporter and/or different mechanisms of UDP-GlcNAc transport into the Golgi apparatus may exist.     

Molecular and phylogenetic characterization of a novel putative membrane transporter (SLC10A7), conserved in vertebrates and bacteria

The 'Solute Carrier Family SLC10' consists of six annotated members in humans, comprising two bile acid carriers (SLC10A1 and SLC10A2), one steroid sulfate transporter (SLC10A6), and three orphan carriers (SLC10A3 to SLC10A5). In this study we report molecular characterization and expression analysis of a novel member of the SLC10 family, SLC10A7, previously known as C4orf13. SLC10A7 proteins consist of 340-343 amino acids in humans, mice, rats, and frogs and show an overall amino acid sequence identity of >85%. SLC10A7 genes comprise 12 coding exons and show broad tissue expression pattern. When expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and HEK293 cells, SLC10A7 was detected in the plasma membrane but revealed no transport activity for bile acids and steroid sulfates. By immunofluorescence analysis of dual hemagglutinin (HA)- and FLAG-labeled SLC10A7 proteins in HEK293 cells, we established a topology of 10 transmembrane domains with an intracellular cis orientation of the N-terminal and C-terminal ends. This topology pattern is clearly different from the seven-transmembrane domain topology of the other SLC10 members but similar to hitherto uncharacterized non-vertebrate SLC10A7-related proteins. In contrast to the established SLC10 members, which are restricted to the taxonomic branch of vertebrates, SLC10A7-related proteins exist also in yeasts, plants, and bacteria, making SLC10A7 taxonomically the most widespread member of this carrier family. Vertebrate and bacterial SLC10A7 proteins exhibit >20% sequence identity, which is higher than the sequence identity of SLC10A7 to any other member of the SLC10 carrier family.     

SLC26A7 is a Cl- channel regulated by intracellular pH

Members of the SLC26 transporter family play an essential role in several epithelial functions, as revealed by diseases associated with mutations in members of the family. Several members were shown to function as Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) transporters that likely play an important role in epithelial Cl(-) absorption and HCO(3)(-) secretion. However, the mechanism of most transporters is not well understood. SLC26A7 is a member of the SLC26 transporter family reported to be expressed in the basolateral membrane of the cortical collecting duct and parietal cells and functions as a coupled Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger. In the present work we examined the transport properties of SLC26A7 to determine its transport characteristics and electrogenicity. We found that when expressed in Xenopus oocytes or HEK293 cells SLC26A7 functions as a pH(i)-regulated Cl(-) channel with minimal OH(-)/HCO(3)(-) permeability. Expression of SLC26A7 in oocytes or HEK293 cells generated a Cl(-) current with linear I/V and an instantaneous current that was voltage- and time-independent. Based on measurement of reversal potential the selectivity of SLC26A7 is NO(3)(-)>Cl(-)=Br(-)=I(-)>SO(4)(2-)=Glu(-), although I(-) partially inhibited the current. Incubating the cells with HCO(3)(-) or butyrate acidified the cytosol and increased the selectivity of SLC26A7 for Cl(-). Measurement of membrane potential and pH(i) showed minimal OH(-) and HCO(3)(-) transport by SLC26A7 when the cells were incubated in Cl(-)-containing or Cl(-)-free media. The activity of SLC26A7 was inhibited by all inhibitors of anion transporters tested, 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid, and glybenclamide. These findings reveal that SLC26A7 functions as a unique Cl(-) channel that is regulated by intracellular H(+).     

SLC41A1 is a novel mammalian Mg2+ carrier

The molecular biology of mammalian magnesium transporters and their interrelations in cellular magnesium homeostasis are largely unknown. Recently, the mouse SLC41A1 protein was suggested to be a candidate magnesium transporter with channel-like properties when overexpressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Here, we demonstrate that human SLC41A1 overexpressed in HEK293 cells forms protein complexes and locates to the plasma membrane without, however, giving rise to any detectable magnesium currents during whole cell patch clamp experiments. Nevertheless, in a strain of Salmonella enterica exhibiting disruption of all three distinct magnesium transport systems (CorA, MgtA, and MgtB), overexpression of human SLC41A1 functionally substitutes these transporters and restores the growth of the mutant bacteria at magnesium concentrations otherwise non-permissive for growth. Thus, we have identified human SLC41A1 as being a bona fide magnesium transporter. Most importantly, overexpressed SLC41A1 provide HEK293 cells with an increased magnesium efflux capacity. With outwardly directed Mg(2+) gradients, a SLC41A1-dependent reduction of the free intracellular magnesium concentration accompanied by a significant net decrease of the total cellular magnesium concentration could be observed in such cells. SLC41A1 activity is temperature-sensitive but not sensitive to the only known magnesium channel blocker, cobalt(III) hexaammine. Taken together, these data functionally identify SLC41A1 as a mammalian carrier mediating magnesium efflux.     

Minisatellite polymorphisms of the SLC6A19: susceptibility in hypertension

The SLC6A19 is a human homolog of B⁰AT1 that encodes a neutral amino acid transporter. We examined the distribution of VNTR (variable number of tandem repeats; minisatellites) and conducted polymorphic analysis of SCL6A19 isolated from the genomic DNA of controls and multi-generational families. The SLC6A19 was found to contain seven blocks of minisatellites, 3 of which (SLC6A19-MS1, -MS4, and -MS7) showed polymorphism and were found to be transmitted through meiosis following Mendelian inheritance in seven families. These minisatellite polymorphisms may be useful markers for paternity mapping and DNA fingerprinting. Furthermore, we conducted a case-control study in which genomic DNA from 400 controls and 205 cases with essential hypertension was compared. A statistically significant association was identified between rare SLC6A19-MS7 alleles and the occurrence of hypertension (odds ratio, 7.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-70.66; and p = 0.028). These findings suggest that the rare SLC6A19-MS7 allele may be a risk factor for hypertension.     

Down-regulation of SLC35C1 induces colon cancer through over-activating Wnt pathway

The canonical Wnt signalling pathway is a critical pathway involved in the proliferation of cells. It has been well-established that it plays the central role during colorectal carcinogenesis and development. Yet the exact molecular mechanism of how the canonical Wnt pathway is fine-tuned remains elusive. We found that SLC35C1, a GDP-fucose transporter, negatively regulates the Wnt signalling pathway. We show here that SLC35C1 is reduced in all colon cancer by both immunohistochemistry images and TCGA data, whereas β-catenin is increased. Down-regulation of SLC35C1 is also detected by real-time PCR in stage 3 and stage 4 colorectal cancer tissues. Moreover, analysing the TCGA database with cBioPortal reveals the negative correlation of SLC35C1 mRNA level to the expression of β-catenin. Reduced SLC35C1 significantly promotes cell proliferation and colony formation of HEK293 cells. Meanwhile, in HEK293 cells silencing SLC35C1 activates canonical Wnt pathway, whereas overexpressing SLC35C1 inhibits it. Consistently, the reduction of SLC35C1 in HEK293 cells also elevated the mRNA level of Wnt target genes C-myc, Axin2 and Cyclin D1, as well as the secretion of Wnt3a. In conclusion, we identified SLC35C1 as a negative regulator of the Wnt signalling pathway in colon cancer. Decreased SLC35C1 may cause over-activation of Wnt signalling in colorectal cancer.     

The SLC19A1 80G>A polymorphism is not associated with male infertility

Previous studies have revealed that genetic factors may be involved in regulating folate turnover, e.g. methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism in the development of male infertility. Folate transporter, encoded by the SLC19A1 gene, commonly referred to as reduced folate carrier (RFC) is a transmembrane protein, which transfers hydrophilic folates across the cell membrane. It was hypothesized that common polymorphism within the SLC19A1 gene (rs1051266:G>A, 80G>A) may alter RFC function. The aim of this study was to investigate a potential association between the SLC19A1 80G>A polymorphism and male infertility in a case–control study. The SLC19A1 80G>A polymorphism was determined by means of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay in 213 infertile Caucasian men and 226 ethnically matched controls. The distribution of SLC19A1 genotypes in the infertile men was as follows: GG 26.8%, GA 51.2%, AA 22.1% and in fertile men: GG 24.8%, GA 50.4%, AA 24.8%, and was comparable in the both the evaluated groups. Odds ratios (95% confidence interval, CI): 0.90 (0.59–1.38) and 0.88 (0.56–1.36) for dominant and recessive models remained non-significant, also after adjustment for age: 0.89 (0.57–1.37) and 0.80 (0.51–1.25), respectively. Our study demonstrated that polymorphism 80G>A of the SLC19A1 gene is not associated with male infertility.     

RNA沉默抑制子p19调控细胞周期相关蛋白表达

番茄丛矮病毒的P19蛋白不仅是一个重要的病毒致病因子,而且还可作为RNA干扰(RNAi)的抑制子．这种作用是通过限制细胞内的小RNA,比如小干扰RNA(siRNAs)和微RNA(miRNAs)来实现．但是目前对P19蛋白在哺乳动物细胞上的作用还未见报道．构建了一株p19稳定表达的293细胞系,即293-p19．流式细胞仪分析发现在293细胞中过量表达P19蛋白可显著引发细胞周期的G2/M阻滞．细胞增殖实验显示,293-p19细胞的DNA复制及细胞生长均受到显著的抑制． 此外,研究还发现p19可使人胚肾293细胞内的细胞周期调控子的表达谱发生改变． 其中包括上调cyclin A1,CDK2,CDK4,CDK6,p18,cyclin D2,p19INK4d和E2F1,及下调p15,cyclin A,cyclin B1和cyclin E1的表达．上述研究结果提示,p19有可能靶向多个G2/M调控蛋白从而引发细胞的G2/M阻滞．     

Functional role of specific amino acid residues in human thiamine transporter SLC19A2: mutational analysis

SLC19A2 is a membrane thiamine transporter expressed in a variety of human tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract. Little is currently known about the structure/function relationship of SLC19A2. We examined the effect of introducing mutations in SLC19A2 identical to those found in thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome (TRMA), on functional activity and membrane expression of the transporter. We also examined the effect of mutating the only conserved anionic residue (E138) in the transmembrane (TM) domains of the SLC19A2 and that of the putative glycosylation sites (N63, N314). Northern blot analysis showed SLC19A2 mRNA was expressed at the same level in HeLa cells transfected with wild-type or mutated SLC19A2. Introducing the clinically relevant mutations (D93H, S143F, G172D) or mutation at the conserved anionic residue (E138A) of SLC19A2 led to a significant (P < 0.01) inhibition of thiamine uptake. Mutations of the two potential N-linked glycosylation sites (N63Q, N314Q) of SLC19A2 did not affect functional activity; they did, however, lead to a noticeable reduction in apparent molecular weight of protein. Western blot analysis showed all proteins (except D93H) were expressed in the membrane (not the cytoplasmic) fraction of HeLa cells. These results provide direct confirmation that clinically relevant mutations in SLC19A2 observed in TRMA cause malfunctioning of the transporter and/or a defect in its translation/stability. Results also show conserved TM anionic residue of the SLC19A2 protein is critical for its function. Furthermore, native SLC19A2 is glycosylated, but this is not important for its function.     

Characterization of the organic cation transporter SLC22A16: a doxorubicin importer

Specific efflux transporters, such as P-glycoprotein, have been shown to confer drug resistance by decreasing the intracellular accumulation of anticancer drugs. Understanding influx transporters, as well as efflux transporters, is essential to overcome this resistance. We report the expression profile and pharmacological characterization of an organic cation transporter, SLC22A16. The results of our experiments indicate that SLC22A16 is a mediator of doxorubicin uptake in cancer cells. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses show that SLC22A16 is expressed in primary samples taken from patients with acute leukemia. Xenopus oocytes injected with SLC22A16 cRNA import doxorubicin, a widely used anticancer drug for hematological malignancies, in a saturable and dose-dependent manner. The apparent Km value for doxorubicin import was 5.2+/-0.4 microM. In cytotoxic assays, stable transfectants of leukemic Jurkat cells overexpressing SLC22A16 cells became significantly more sensitive to doxorubicin (2 microM) treatment. Characterization of SLC22A16 will help in designing novel therapies targeting hematological malignancies.     

Identification of SLC38A7 (SNAT7) protein as a glutamine transporter expressed in neurons

The SLC38 family of transporters has in total 11 members in humans and they encode amino acid transporters called sodium-coupled amino acid transporters (SNAT). To date, five SNATs have been characterized and functionally subdivided into systems A (SLC38A1, SLC38A2, and SLC38A4) and N (SLC38A3 and SLC38A5) showing the highest transport for glutamine and alanine. Here we present identification of a novel glutamine transporter encoded by the Slc38a7 gene, which we propose should be named SNAT7. This transporter has L-glutamine as the preferred substrate but also transports other amino acids with polar side chains, as well as L-histidine and L-alanine. The expression pattern and substrate profile for SLC38A7 shows highest similarity to the known system N transporters. Therefore, we propose that SLC38A7 is a novel member of this system. We used in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry with a custom-made antibody to show that SLC38A7 is expressed in all neurons, but not in astrocytes, in the mouse brain. SLC38A7 is unique in being the first system N transporter expressed in GABAergic and also other neurons. The preferred substrate and axonal localization of SLC38A7 close to the synaptic cleft indicates that SLC38A7 could have an important function for the reuptake and recycling of glutamate.     

The Human SLC25A33 and SLC25A36 Genes of Solute Carrier Family 25 Encode Two Mitochondrial Pyrimidine Nucleotide Transporters

The human genome encodes 53 members of the solute carrier family 25 (SLC25), also called the mitochondrial carrier family, many of which have been shown to transport inorganic anions, amino acids, carboxylates, nucleotides, and coenzymes across the inner mitochondrial membrane, thereby connecting cytosolic and matrix functions. Here two members of this family, SLC25A33 and SLC25A36, have been thoroughly characterized biochemically. These proteins were overexpressed in bacteria and reconstituted in phospholipid vesicles. Their transport properties and kinetic parameters demonstrate that SLC25A33 transports uracil, thymine, and cytosine (deoxy)nucleoside di- and triphosphates by an antiport mechanism and SLC25A36 cytosine and uracil (deoxy)nucleoside mono-, di-, and triphosphates by uniport and antiport. Both carriers also transported guanine but not adenine (deoxy)nucleotides. Transport catalyzed by both carriers was saturable and inhibited by mercurial compounds and other inhibitors of mitochondrial carriers to various degrees. In confirmation of their identity (i) SLC25A33 and SLC25A36 were found to be targeted to mitochondria and (ii) the phenotypes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells lacking RIM2, the gene encoding the well characterized yeast mitochondrial pyrimidine nucleotide carrier, were overcome by expressing SLC25A33 or SLC25A36 in these cells. The main physiological role of SLC25A33 and SLC25A36 is to import/export pyrimidine nucleotides into and from mitochondria, i.e. to accomplish transport steps essential for mitochondrial DNA and RNA synthesis and breakdown.     

Up-regulation of vitamin B1 homeostasis genes in breast cancer

An increased carbon flux and exploitation of metabolic pathways for the rapid generation of biosynthetic precursors is a common phenotype observed in breast cancer. To support this metabolic phenotype, cancer cells adaptively regulate the expression of glycolytic enzymes and nutrient transporters. However, activity of several enzymes involved in glucose metabolism requires an adequate supply of cofactors. In particular, vitamin B1 (thiamine) is utilized as an essential cofactor for metabolic enzymes that intersect at critical junctions within the glycolytic network. Intracellular availability of thiamine is facilitated by the activity of thiamine transporters and thiamine pyrophosphokinase-1 (TPK-1). Therefore, the objective of this study was to establish if the cellular determinants regulating thiamine homeostasis differ between breast cancer and normal breast epithelia. Employing cDNA arrays of breast cancer and normal breast epithelial tissues, SLC19A2, SLC25A19 and TPK-1 were found to be significantly up-regulated. Similarly, up-regulation was also observed in breast cancer cell lines compared to human mammary epithelial cells. Thiamine transport assays and quantitation of intracellular thiamine and thiamine pyrophosphate established a significantly greater extent of thiamine transport and free thiamine levels in breast cancer cell lines compared to human mammary epithelial cells. Overall, these findings demonstrate an adaptive response by breast cancer cells to increase cellular availability of thiamine.     

氨基酸转运载体SLC38A1研究进展

氨基酸转运载体是介导氨基酸跨膜转运的膜蛋白,在医学、营养等生命科学领域有重要的研究意义。氨基酸转运载体SLC38A1选择性、生理性表达于人体正常大脑和胎盘组织,研究表明,SLC38A1在恶性肿瘤中呈过表达,可以促进肿瘤细胞的增殖、侵袭和迁移。SLC38A1有望成为新的肿瘤靶点之一,本文就SLC38A1在肿瘤中的研究进展作一综述。     

Stimulation of the amino acid transporter SLC6A19 by JAK2

JAK2 (Janus kinase-2) is expressed in a wide variety of cells including tumor cells and contributes to the proliferation and survival of those cells. The gain of function mutation ^V617FJAK2 mutant is found in the majority of myeloproliferative diseases. Cell proliferation depends on the availability of amino acids. Concentrative cellular amino acid uptake is in part accomplished by Na⁺ coupled amino acid transport through SLC6A19 (B(0)AT). The present study thus explored whether JAK2 activates SLC6A19. To this end, SLC6A19 was expressed in Xenopus oocytes with or without wild type JAK2, ^V617FJAK2 or inactive ^K882EJAK2 and electrogenic amino acid transport determined by dual electrode voltage clamp. In SLC6A19-expressing oocytes but not in oocytes injected with water or JAK2 alone, the addition of leucine (2 mM) to the bath generated a current (I_le), which was significantly increased following coexpression of JAK2 or ^V617FJAK2, but not by coexpression of ^K882EJAK2. Coexpression of JAK2 enhanced the maximal transport rate without significantly modifying the affinity of the carrier. Exposure of the oocytes to the JAK2 inhibitor AG490 (40 μM) resulted in a gradual decline of I_le. According to chemiluminescence JAK2 enhanced the carrier protein abundance in the cell membrane. The decline of I_le following inhibition of carrier insertion by brefeldin A (5 μM) was similar in the absence and presence of JAK2 indicating that JAK2 stimulates carrier insertion into rather than inhibiting carrier retrival from the cell membrane. In conclusion, JAK2 up-regulates SLC6A19 activity which may foster amino acid uptake into JAK2 expressing cells.     

Boric acid increases the expression levels of human anion exchanger genes SLC4A2 and SLC4A3

Boron is an important micronutrient in plants and animals. The role of boron in living systems includes coordinated regulation of gene expression, growth and proliferation of higher plants and animals. There are several well-defined genes associated with boron transportation and tolerance in plants and these genes show close homology with human anion exchanger genes. Mutation of these genes also characterizes some genetic disorders. We investigated the toxic effects of boric acid on HEK293 cells and mRNA expression of anion exchanger (SLC4A1, SLC4A2 and SLC4A3) genes. Cytotoxicity of boric acid at different concentrations was tested by using the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. Gene expression profiles were examined using quantitative real-time PCR. In the HEK293 cells, the nontoxic upper concentration of boric acid was 250 μM; more than 500 μM caused cytotoxicity. The 250 μM boric acid concentration increased gene expression level of SLC4A2 up to 8.6-fold and SLC4A3 up to 2.6-fold, after 36-h incubation. There was no significant effect of boric acid on SLC4A1 mRNA expression levels.     

Human SLC4A11 Is a Novel NH3/H+ Co-transporter

SLC4A11 has been proposed to be an electrogenic membrane transporter, permeable to Na⁺, H⁺ (OH⁻), bicarbonate, borate, and NH₄⁺. Recent studies indicate, however, that neither bicarbonate or borate is a substrate. Here, we examined potential NH₄⁺, Na⁺, and H⁺ contributions to electrogenic ion transport through SLC4A11 stably expressed in Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger-deficient PS120 fibroblasts. Inward currents observed during exposure to NH₄Cl were determined by the [NH₃]_o, not [NH₄⁺]_o, and current amplitudes varied with the [H⁺] gradient. These currents were relatively unaffected by removal of Na⁺, K⁺, or Cl⁻ from the bath but could be reduced by inclusion of NH₄Cl in the pipette solution. Bath pH changes alone did not generate significant currents through SLC4A11, except immediately following exposure to NH₄Cl. Reversal potential shifts in response to changing [NH₃]_o and pH_o suggested an NH₃/H⁺-coupled transport mode for SLC4A11. Proton flux through SLC4A11 in the absence of ammonia was relatively small, suggesting that ammonia transport is of more physiological relevance. Methylammonia produced currents similar to NH₃ but with reduced amplitude. Estimated stoichiometry of SLC4A11 transport was 1:2 (NH₃/H⁺). NH₃-dependent currents were insensitive to 10 μm ethyl-isopropyl amiloride or 100 μm 4,4′- diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid. We propose that SLC4A11 is an NH₃/2H⁺ co-transporter exhibiting unique characteristics.