Antiporter
An antiporter (also called exchanger or counter-transporter) is an
In
Transport may involve one or more of each type of solute. For example, the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, found in the plasma membrane of many cells, moves three sodium ions in one direction, and one calcium ion in the other. As with sodium in this example, antiporters rely on an established gradient that makes entry of one ion energetically favorable to force the unfavorable movement of a second molecule in the opposite direction.[4] Through their diverse functions, antiporters are involved in various important physiological processes, such as the regulation the strength of cardiac muscle contraction, transport of carbon dioxide by erythrocytes, regulation of cytosolic pH, and accumulation of sucrose in plant vacuoles.[2]
Background
Symporters and antiporters are more complex because they move more than one ion and the movement of one of those ions is in an energetically unfavorable direction. As multiple molecules are involved, multiple binding processes must occur as the transporter undergoes a cycle of
Though ATP-powered pumps also move molecules in an energetically unfavorable direction and undergo conformational changes to do so, they fall under a different category of membrane proteins because they couple the energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to transport their respective ions. These ion pumps are very selective, consisting of a double gating system where at least one of the gates is always shut. The ion is allowed to enter from one side of the membrane while one of the gates is open, after which it will shut. Only then will the second gate open to allow the ion to leave on the membrane's opposite side. The time between the alternating gate opening is referred to as the occluded state, where the ions are bound and both gates are shut.[8] These gating reactions limit the speed of these pumps, causing them to function even slower than transport proteins, moving between 100 and 103 ions per second.[2]
Structure and function
To function in active transport, a membrane protein must meet certain requirements. The first of these is that the interior of the protein must contain a cavity that is able to contain its corresponding molecule or ion. Next, the protein must be able to assume at least two different conformations, one with its cavity open to the extracellular space and the other with its cavity open to the cytosol. This is crucial for the movement of molecules from one side of the membrane to the other. Finally, the cavity of the protein must contain binding sites for its ligands, and these binding sites must have a different affinity for the ligand in each of the protein's conformations. Without this, the ligand will not be able to bind to the transporter on one side of the plasma membrane and be released from it on the other side.[9] As transporters, antiporters have all of these features.
Because antiporters are highly diverse, their structure can vary widely depending upon the type of molecules being transported and their location in the cell. However, there are some common features that all antiporters share. One of these is multiple
These features of antiporters allow them to carry out their function in maintaining cellular homeostasis. They provide a space where a hydrophilic molecule can pass through the hydrophobic lipid bilayer, allowing them them to bypass the hydrophobic interactions of the plasma membrane. This enables the efficient movement of molecules needed for the environment of the cell, such as in the acidification of organelles.[2] The varying affinity of the antiporter for each ion or molecule on either side of the plasma membrane allows it to bind to and release its ligands on the appropriate side of the membrane according to the electrochemical gradient of the ion being harnessed for its energetically favorable concentration.[9]
Mechanism
The mechanism of antiporter transport involves several key steps and a series of conformational changes that are dictated by the structural element described above:[7]
- The substrate binds to its specific binding site on the extracellular side of the plasma membrane, forming a temporary substrate-bound open form of the antiporter.
- This becomes an occluded, substrate-bound state that is still facing the extracellular space.
- The antiporter undergoes a conformational change to become an occluded, substrate-bound protein that is now facing the cytosol. As it does so, it passes through a temporary fully-occluded intermediate stage.
- The substrate is released from the antiporter as it takes on an open, inward-facing conformation.
- The antiporter can now bind to its second substrate and transport it in the opposite direction by taking on its transient substrate-bound open state.
- This is followed by an occluded, substrate-bound state that is still facing the cytosol, a conformation change with a temporary fully-occluded intermediate stage, and a return to the antiporter's open, outward-facing conformation.
- The second substrate is released and the antiporter can return to its original conformation state, where it is ready to bind to new molecules or ions and repeat its transport process.[7][11]
History
Antiporters were discovered as scientists were exploring ion transport mechanisms across biological membranes. The early studies took place in the mid-20th century and were focused on the mechanisms that transported ions such as sodium, potassium, and calcium across the plasma membrane. Researchers made the observation that these ions were moved in opposite directions and hypothesized the existence of membrane proteins that could facilitate this type of transport.[12]
In the 1960's, biochemist Efraim Racker made a breakthrough in the discovery of antiporters. Through purification from bovine heart mitochondria, Racker and his colleagues found a mitochondrial protein that could exchange inorganic phosphate for hydroxide ions. The protein is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and transports phosphate ions for use in oxidative phosphorylation. It became known as the phosphate-hydroxide antiporter, or mitochondrial phosphate carrier protein, and was the first example of an antiporter identified in living cells.[13][14]
As time went on, researchers discovered other antiporters in different membranes and in various organisms. This includes the sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX), another crucial antiporter that regulates intracellular calcium levels through the exchange of sodium ions for calcium ions across the plasma membrane. It was discovered in the 1970s and is now a well-characterized antiporter known to be found in many different types of cells.[15]
Advances in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology have enabled the identification and characterization of a wide range of antiporters. Understanding the transport processes of various molecules and ions has provided insight into cellular transport mechanisms, as well as the role of antiporters in various physiological functions and in the maintenance of homeostasis
Role in homeostasis
Sodium-calcium exchanger
The
Although the sodium-calcium exchanger has a low affinity for calcium ions, it can transport a high amount of the ion in a short period of time. Because of these properties, it is useful in situations where there is an urgent need to export high amounts of calcium, such as after an
Another key characteristic of this antiporter is its reversibility. This means that if the cell is depolarized enough, the extracellular sodium level is low enough, or the intracellular level of sodium is high enough, NCX will operate in the reverse direction and begin bringing calcium into the cell.[4][19] For example, when NCX functions during excitotoxicity, this characteristic allows it to have a protective effect because the accompanying increase in intracellular calcium levels enables the exchanger to work in its normal direction regardless of the sodium concentration.[4] Another example is the depolarization of cardiac muscle cells, which is accompanied by a large increase in the intracellular sodium concentration that causes NCX to work in reverse. Because the concentration of calcium is carefully regulated during the cardiac action potential, this is only a temporary effect as calcium is pumped out of the cell.[20]
The sodium-calcium exchanger's role in maintaining calcium homeostasis in
If the heart experiences
The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger has also been implicated in neurological disorders such as
Sodium-hydrogen antiporter
The sodium–hydrogen antiporter, also known as the sodium-proton exchanger, Na+/H+ exchanger, or NHE, is an antiporter responsible for transporting sodium into the cell and hydrogen out of the cell. As such, it is important in the regulation of cellular pH and sodium levels.[29] There are differences among the types of NHE antiporter families present in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. The 9 isoforms of this transporter that are found in the human genome fall under several families, including the cation-proton antiporters (CPA 1, CPA 2, and CPA 3) and sodium-transporting carboxylic acid decarboxylase (NaT-DC).[30] Prokaryotic organisms contain the Na+/H+ antiporter families NhaA, NhaB, NhaC, NhaD, and NhaE.[31]
Because enzymes can only function at certain pH ranges, it is critical for cells to tightly regulate
As suggested by its functions, this antiporter is located in the
Plants are sensitive to high amounts of salt, which can halt certain necessary functions of the eukaryotic organism, including photosynthesis.[31] For the organisms to maintain homeostasis and carry out crucial functions, Na+/H+ antiporters are used to rid the cytoplasm of excess sodium by pumping Na+ out of the cell.[31] These antiporters can also close their channel to stop sodium from entering the cell, along with allowing excess sodium within the cell to enter into a vacuole.[31]
Dysregulation of the sodium-hydrogen antiporter's activity has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, renal disorders, and neurological conditions
Five isoforms of NHE are found in kidney's epithelial cells. The best studied one is NHE3, which is mainly located in the proximal tubules of the kidney and plays a key role in acid-base homeostasis. Issues with NHE3 disrupt the reabsorption of sodium and secretion of hydrogen.[34] The main conditions that NHE3 dysregulation can cause are hypertension and renal tubular acidosis (RTA). Hypertension can occur when more sodium is reabsorbed in the kidneys because water will follow the sodium ions and create an elevated blood volume. This, in turn, leads to elevated blood pressure.[34] RTA is characterized by the inability of the kidneys to acidify the urine due to underactive NHE3 and reduced secretion of hydrogen ions, resulting in metabolic acidosis. On the other hand, overactive NHE3 can lead to excess secretion of hydrogen ions and metabolic alkalosis, where the blood is too alkaline.[34]
NHE can also be linked to
Chloride-bicarbonate antiporter
The
An example of a chloride-bicarbonate antiporter is the
Another well-studied chloride-bicarbonate antiporter is anion exchanger 1 (AE1), which is also known as
Because of its importance to the reabsorption of water in the intestine, mutations in protein DRA cause a condition called congenital chloride diarrhea (CCD).[42] This disorder is caused by an autosomal recessive mutation in the DRA gene on chromosome 7.[43] CCD symptoms in newborns are chronic diarrhea with failure to thrive, and the disorder is characterized by diarrhea that causes metabolic alkalosis.
Mutations of kidney AE1 can lead to
The proper function of AE2, an isoform of AE1, is important in gastric secretion, osteoclast differentiation and function, and the synthesis of enamel. The hydrochloric acid secretion at the apical surface of both gastric parietal cells and osteoclasts relies on chloride-bicarbonate exchange in the basolateral surface.[46][47] Studies found that mice with nonfunctional AE2 did not secrete hydrochloric acid, and it was concluded that the exchanger is necessary for hydrochloric acid loading in parietal cells.[46] When AE2 expression was suppressed in an animal model, cell lines were unable to differentiate into osteoclasts and perform their functions. Additionally, cells that had osteoclast markers but were deficient in AE2 were abnormal compared to the wild-type cells and were unable to resorb mineralized tissue. This demonstrates the importance of AE2 in osteoclast function.[47] Finally, as the hydroxyapatite crystals of enamel are being formed, a lot of hydrogen is produced, which must be neutralized so that mineralization can proceed. Mice with inactivated AE2 were toothless and suffered from incomplete enamel maturation.[46]
Chloride-hydrogen antiporter
The chloride-hydrogen antiporter facilitates the exchange of chloride ions for hydrogen ions across plasma membranes, thus playing a critical role in maintaining acid-base balance and chloride homeostasis. It is found in various tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and pancreas.[48] The well-known chloride-hydrogen antiporters belong in the CLC family, which have isoforms from CLC-1 to CLC-7, each with a distinct tissue distribution. Their structure involves two CLC proteins coming together to form a homodimer or a heterodimer where both monomers contain an ion translocation pathway. CLC proteins can either be ion channels or anion-proton exchangers, so CLC-1 and CLC-2 are membrane chloride channels, while CLC-3 through CLC-7 are chloride-hydrogen exchangers.[48]
CLC-4 is a member of the CLC family that is prominent in the brain, but is also located in the liver, kidneys, heart, skeletal muscle, and intestine. It likely resides in
CLC-5 is one of the best-studied members of this protein family. It shares 80% of its amino acid sequence with CLC-3 and CLC-4, but it is mainly found in the kidney, especially in the proximal tubule, collecting duct, and ascending limb of the loop of Henle. It functions to transport substances through the endosomal membrane, so it is crucial for pinocytosis, receptor-mediated endocytosis, and endocytosis of plasma membrane proteins from the apical surface.[48]
CLC-7 is another example of a CLC family protein. It is ubiquitously expressed as the chloride-hydrogen antiporter in lysosomes and in the ruffled border of osteoclasts. CLC-7 may be important for regulating to concentration of chloride in lysosomes. It is associated with a protein called Ostm1, forming a complex that allows CLC-7 to carry out its functions. For example, these proteins are crucial to the process of acidifying the resorption lacuna, which enables bone remodeling to occur.[48]
CLC-4 has been connected with mental retardation involving
Defects in the CLC-5 gene were shown to be the cause of 60% of cases of
CLC-7's role in osteoclast function was revealed by studies on knockout mice that developed severe
Reduced folate carrier protein
The reduced folate carrier protein (RFC) is a transmembrane protein responsible for the transport of
Because folates are essential for various life-sustaining processes, a deficiency in this molecule can lead to fetal abnormalities, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Folates cannot be synthesized in the body, so it must be taken in through diet and moved into cells. Without the RFC protein facilitating this movement, processes such as embryological development and DNA repair cannot occur.[53]
Adequate folate levels are required for the development of the neural tube in the fetus. Folate deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.[54] In mouse models, inactivating both alleles of the FRC protein gene causes death of the embryo. Even if folate is supplemented during gestation, the mice died within two weeks of birth from the failure of hematopoietic tissues.[53]
Altered function of the RFC protein can increase folate deficiency, enhancing cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. In terms of cardiovascular issues, folate contributes to homocysteine metabolism. Low folate levels result in elevated homocysteine levels, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.[53][55] In terms of cancer, folate deficiency is related to an increased risk, especially that of colorectal cancers. In mouse models with altered RFC protein expression showed increased transcripts of genes related to colon cancer and increased proliferation of colonocytes.[53] The cancer risk is likely related to the FRC protein's role in DNA synthesis because inadequate levels of folate can lead to DNA damage and aberrant DNA methylation.[56]
Vesicle neurotransmitter antiporters
One of the best characterized of these antiporters is the
Another important vesicle neurotransmitter antiporter is the
VMAT2 has been found to contribute to neurological conditions such as
Lower expression of VMAT2 was found to correlate with a higher susceptibility to Parkinson's disease and the antiporter's mRNA was found in all cell groups damaged by Parkinson's.[63] This is likely because VMAT2 dysfunction can lead to a decrease in dopamine packaging into vesicles, accounting for the dopamine depletion that characterizes the disease.[64] For this reason, the antiporter has been identified as a protective factor that could be targeted for the prevention of Parkinson's.[63]
Because alterations in glutamate release have been linked to the generation of seizures in epilepsy, alterations in the function of VGLUT may be implicated.[65] A study was conducted where the VGLUT1 gene was inactivated in the astrocytes and neurons of an animal model. When the gene was inactivated in astrocytes, there was an 80% loss in the antiporter protein itself and, in turn, a reduction in glutamate uptake. The mice in this condition experienced seizures, lower body mass, and higher mortality rates. The researchers concluded that VGLUT1 function in astrocytes is therefore critical to epilepsy resistance and normal weight gain.[65]
There is a lot of evidence that the glutamate system plays a role in long-term cell growth and synaptic plasticity. Disturbances of these processes has been linked to the pathology of mood disorders. The link between the function of the glutamatergic neurotransmitter system and mood disorders sets up VGLUT as one of the targets for treatment.[66]
See also
References
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One molecule one direction, symporters: two molecules one direction or antiporters: two molecules opposite directions.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-319-20852-3.
- ^ Dittmar E (2017-11-12). "This picture represents antiport". Retrieved 2024-04-10.
The yellow triangle shows the concentration gradient for the yellow circles while the blue triangle shows the concentration gradient for the blue circles and the purple rods are the transport protein bundle. The blue circles are moving against their concentration gradient through a transport protein which requires energy while the yellow circles move down their concentration gradient which releases energy. The yellow circles produce more energy through chemiosmosis than what is required to move the blue circles so the movement is coupled and some energy is cancelled out. One example is the sodium-proton exchanger which allows protons to go down their concentration gradient into the cell while pumping sodium out of the cell.
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Further reading
- Pak JE, Ekendé EN, Kifle EG, O'Connell JD, De Angelis F, Tessema MB, et al. (November 2013). "Structures of intermediate transport states of ZneA, a Zn(II)/proton antiporter". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 110 (46): 18484–18489. PMID 24173033.
External links
- Antiporters at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)