The asymmetrical distribution of neurotransmitter transporters on the cell surface of neurons seems to be a generalized feature of these proteins, and is thought to be important for an appropriate removal of neurotransmitters from the extracellular milieu. To study the subcellular distribution of the glycine transporter isoforms (GLYT1a, GLYT1b, GLYT2a and GLYT2b), these proteins were expressed in epithelial cells [Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells] and in cultured hippocampal neurons, as models of polarized cells. The localization of the transporters was assessed by immunofluorescence assays. Our results indicated that the subcellular distribution of glycine transporters is dependent on both the protein isoform and the cell type. By using site-directed mutagenesis we have been able to identify signals for basolateral/somatodendritic localization in the alternative amino terminal region of GLYT1 and in two di-leucine motifs that are located in the carboxyl tail of this protein. Moreover, the N-glycosylation sites located in the large extracellular loop of GLYT2 are involved in apical localization of this protein in polarized MDCK cells. These results contribute to define the mechanisms of asymmetrical distribution of transporters on the cell surface of polarized cells.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
November 2001
-
Cover Image
Cover Image
- PDF Icon PDF LinkFront Matter
- PDF Icon PDF LinkTable of Contents
- PDF Icon PDF LinkAdvertising
Conference Article|
November 01 2001
Molecular determinants involved in the asymmetrical distribution of glycine transporters in polarized cells
F. Zafra;
F. Zafra
1
1Centra de Biología Molecular ‘Severo Ochoa’, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
1To whom correspondence should be addressed (e-mail fzafra@cbm.uam.es).
Search for other works by this author on:
C. Giménez
C. Giménez
1Centra de Biología Molecular ‘Severo Ochoa’, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
Search for other works by this author on:
Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
May 23 2001
Online ISSN: 1470-8752
Print ISSN: 0300-5127
© 2001 Biochemical Society
2001
Biochem Soc Trans (2001) 29 (6): 746–750.
Article history
Received:
May 23 2001
Citation
F. Zafra, C. Giménez; Molecular determinants involved in the asymmetrical distribution of glycine transporters in polarized cells. Biochem Soc Trans 1 November 2001; 29 (6): 746–750. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/bst0290746
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Sign in to your personal account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.
Captcha Validation Error. Please try again.