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Molecular cloning of an orphan transporter A new member of the neurotransmitter transporter family
Author(s) -
Smith Kelli E.,
Fried Steven G.,
Durkin Margaret M.,
Gustafson Eric L.,
Borden Laurence A.,
Branchek Theresa A.,
Weinshank Richard L.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/0014-5793(94)01328-x
Subject(s) - neurotransmitter transporter , transporter , excitatory amino acid transporter , cloning (programming) , neurotransmitter systems , chemistry , genetics , biology , gene , computer science , glutamate receptor , receptor , programming language
A complementary DNA clone predicted to encode a novel transporter was isolated from rat brain and the localization of its mRNA was examined. The cDNA, designated rB21a, predicts a protein with 12 putative transmembrane domains that exhibits significant sequence homology with neurotransmitter transporters. Expression studies have not yet identified the endogenous substrate for this transporter, but the presence of rB21a mRNA within the leptomeninges of the brain suggests the transporter may regulate CSF levels of its substrate. The cloning of rB21a provides the means to determine its physiological functions and the potential to design novel, transporter‐based therapeutic agents for neurological and psychiatric disorders.