AI Insight
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to study UapA, a eukaryotic purine transporter, revealing how fat molecules (lipids) and internal cellular signals regulate the import of essential nutrients across cell membranes. The study focused on nucleobase-ascorbate transporters (NATs/SLC23 family), which are widespread proteins responsible for moving vital metabolites and drug compounds into cells. The structural analysis demonstrates that these transporters are controlled by both their interaction with membrane lipids and intramolecular mechanisms within the protein itself.
Why it matters
Understanding how these transporters work could improve drug delivery systems, since they naturally move drug analogues into cells. This knowledge may also help address diseases caused by nutrient transport deficiencies and enable more targeted therapeutic interventions.
Understand the Science
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 123, Issue 26, June 2026. <br/>SignificanceNucleobase–ascorbate transporters (NATs, also known as SLC23 family) are ubiquitous across species. These plasma membrane proteins play a vital role in transporting essential metabolites and drug analogues across cell membranes. This study …