Cerebral cystine uptake: a tale of two transporters

Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2002 Jul;23(7):299-302. doi: 10.1016/s0165-6147(02)02060-6.

Abstract

Transport of cystine across the cell membrane is essential for synthesis of the major cellular antioxidant glutathione. Cystine uptake in the brain occurs by both the Na(+)-independent x(c)(-) cystine-glutamate exchanger and the X(AG)(-) family of high-affinity, Na(+)-dependent glutamate transporters. New evidence concerning the role of cystine transport in the defence against oxidative stress is described.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Transport System X-AG / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Transport System X-AG / physiology
  • Amino Acid Transport System y+*
  • Animals
  • Brain Chemistry / physiology*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Carrier Proteins / physiology
  • Cystine / metabolism*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Amino Acid Transport System X-AG
  • Amino Acid Transport System y+
  • Carrier Proteins
  • SLC7A11 protein, human
  • Cystine