New Molecular Insight into Solute Carrier Membrane Transporters Expressed in the Nervous System

Dear Colleagues,

SLC (solute carrier) transporters play a crucial role in the cell life by moving ions, nutrients, metabolites and signaling molecules across cell membranes. Their activity is fundamental for cellular function. In particular, neurotransmitter (NT) transporters serve as key regulators in the synaptic environment, functioning as gatekeepers for nutrients and waste products. They ensure the controlled delivery of necessary substrates while removing harmful endogenous and xenobiotic compounds, thereby significantly contributing to brain health. Within the nervous systems, neurotransmitter transporters have traditionally been associated with shaping neurotransmission and maintaining neurotransmitter and precursor homeostasis. However, recent findings have highlighted the diverse functions of SLCs under physiological, pathological and pharmacological conditions. These functions include binding the neurotransmitter present in the cytosol and facilitating its extracellular export through transporter reversal, as well as mediating various effects dependent on ionic fluxes and currents generated by the transporters themselves. Despite the increased interest in and research on these proteins, several mechanisms of amino acid movement across plasma and vesicular membranes, as well as the origins of certain amino acids and neurotransmitters, remain poorly understood. Additionally, many aspects of translocation, transporter function and selectivity for specific compounds and agonists are governed by a few critical amino acids and mutations, and the dysregulation or dysfunction of these transporters can disrupt normal neuronal transmission, potentially leading to cell death or disease.

Further exploration of these events and their molecular determinants will deepen our understanding of the crucial role these proteins play in the brain. Moreover, it will aid in the development of therapeutic approaches targeting them in various brain conditions. In conclusion, this special issue aims to explore the similarities and differences in the structure, function, and kinetics of SLC proteins expressed in the nervous system. Authors are encouraged to contribute their research on this important topic in neuroscience.

Dr. Elena Bossi
Guest Editor

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• membrane transporters
• SLC
• transport system
• transporter function
• transporter regulation
• transport-related diseases
• pharmacokinetics
• alternating access
• conformational changes
• transporters orthologs