Structure and Mechanism of a Na + -Independent Amino Acid Transporter

Abstract

APC Transporter Structure Amino acid, polyamine, and organocation (APC) transporters that move a range of organic molecules across the cell membrane are important in many cellular processes. Shaffer et al. (p. 1010 ; published online 16 July) report the crystal structure of apoApcT, a proton-dependent APC transporter. The structure shows similarity to the sodium-coupled amino acid transporter LeuT and has an amino group from a lysine in an equivalent position to a sodium ion in LeuT. This suggests common principles between proton- and sodium-coupled transporters.