Glutamate Transporter

Alternate nomenclature: NP_004162; Excitatory aminoacid transporter 2 isoform 1, Glial high affinity glutamate transporter.

The Solute Carriers (SLCs) are membrane transport proteins that regulate transport of substances across the cell membrane such as sugars, amino acids, nucleotides, inorganic ions, and drugs. The Slc family members include genes that encode passive transporters, ion transporters, and exchangers. Slc transporter entirly rely on an ion gradient over the cell membrane as the driving force for transport across the membrane. The Slc’s do not involve in primary active transport of solutes across the membrane (1). Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) are high-affinity, sodium-dependent glutamate transport carriers from solute carrier family 1 (Slc1), primarily expressed in astroglia and are responsible for most of the glutamate transport in the adult brain (2). Glutamate transporters (the human homolog of which is excitatory amino acid transporter) are required in the termination of the synaptic actions of the neurotransmitter and keep its synaptic concentrations below neurotoxic levels. Glutamate transport is an electrogenic process consisting of two sequential translocation steps, co-transport of the neurotransmitter with three sodium ions and a proton and the counter-transport of one potassium ion. Glutamate transporters mediate substrate-induced steady-state current by the electrogenic transport. Non-transportable substrate analogs, expected to “lock” the transporter in an outward-facing conformation and are the competitive inhibitors of two types of substrate-induced current, and also inhibit the basal sodium-dependent anion conductance (3). The function of glutamate transporters is to regulate synaptic glutamate levels and to prevent excitotoxic neuronal death as a result of prolonged excitation of glutamate receptors. Slc1is a multi-trans-membrane-spanning protein that exist as multi subunit protein in membrane (4).

 Glutamate transporters are essential in preventing hyperexcitability and CNS neurotoxicity. Glutamate transporters (Slc1A) are responsible for clearing synaptically released glutamate at excitatory synapses. Slc1A reduce spillover, thus ensuring a spatially restricted action of glutamate and preventing its accumulation in the extracellular space. By these actions, Slc1A contribute to sculpting excitatory postsynaptic currents and to modulating synaptic plasticity. Slc1A isoform, exhibits the highest level of expression and is responsible for the largest proportion of glutamate transport in hippocampus. Slc1A down-regulation increases extracellular glutamate levels which in turn cause excitotoxicity, conversely, an elevated expression of Slc1A may be neuroprotective (5).

Slc1A selective antibodies were generated against peptides form unique regions on Slc1A protein corresponding to amino acid 549-574 near the C-terminal end of the protein. This region was not only antigenic but also lie on the surface of the protein in native or in partially denatured Slc1A protein.  The anti-Slc1A antibodies are fully characterized for applications in western blotting and ELISA at the recommended dilutions.  The Slc1A antibodies are affinity purified on an immobilized antigen based affinity matrix, the isolated antibodies were then stabilized in antibody stabilization buffer for long-term storage.  FabGennix Int. Inc. provides Slc1A Western blot positive control samples in “ready-to-use” SDS-PAGE sample buffer.  Limited quantities of antigenic blocking peptide for Slc1A is also available, please inquire before ordering.  FabGennix Int. Inc., will also conjugate this antibody to fluorophores and other secondary enzymes at a nominal price.

For research use only, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.