SLC1A2
SLC1A2, also known as excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2), GLT-1, GLT1 or HBGT, is a sodium-dependent, high-affinity transporter of L-glutamate. It is the principal transporter that clears glutamate from the extracellular space at synapses in the central nervous system. Browse Assay Genie's current range of SLC1A2 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
SLC1A2 is a sodium-dependent, high-affinity amino acid transporter that mediates the uptake of L-glutamate, and also L-aspartate and D-aspartate. It works as a symporter, moving one amino acid molecule together with two or three Na(+) ions and one proton, in parallel with the counter-transport of one K(+) ion. The protein also mediates a Cl(-) flux that is not coupled to amino acid transport, which avoids the build-up of negative charge caused by aspartate and Na(+) symport.
Physiologically, SLC1A2 is essential for the rapid removal of released glutamate from the synaptic cleft and for terminating the postsynaptic action of glutamate. Glutamate clearance is necessary for proper synaptic activation and for preventing neuronal damage from excessive activation of glutamate receptors. The membrane-bound protein is located at the cell membrane. The SLC1A2 gene belongs to the solute carrier family 1 group, and the protein is a member of the dicarboxylate/amino acid:cation symporter (DAACS) family, SLC1A2 subfamily. Alternatively spliced transcript variants of the gene have been identified.
The gene was previously named solute carrier family 1 (glial high affinity glutamate transporter), member 2, and the protein is referred to as EAAT2 or GLT-1 in the literature. Improper regulation of the SLC1A2 gene is thought to be associated with several neurological disorders, which makes the transporter a frequent subject in neuroscience research. Mouse and rat orthologues are both designated Slc1a2.
SLC1A2 removes released glutamate from the synaptic cleft and terminates its postsynaptic action, so it is central to studies of excitatory signalling.
Glutamate clearance by SLC1A2 helps prevent neuronal damage from excessive glutamate receptor activation, making it relevant to excitotoxic injury models.
Improper regulation of the SLC1A2 gene is thought to be associated with several neurological disorders, prompting investigation of its expression and function.
SLC1A2 couples amino acid uptake to Na(+), proton and K(+) movement and mediates an uncoupled Cl(-) flux, offering a model for ion-coupled transport.
SLC1A2 is a sodium-dependent, high-affinity transporter that takes up L-glutamate, L-aspartate and D-aspartate. It is the principal transporter clearing glutamate from synapses in the central nervous system, which is essential for terminating the postsynaptic action of glutamate and protecting neurons from overactivation.
SLC1A2 is also called excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2), GLT-1, GLT1 and HBGT. Its earlier HGNC name was solute carrier family 1 (glial high affinity glutamate transporter), member 2. Alternatively spliced transcript variants of the gene have been identified.
Mouse and rat both have an orthologous gene, Slc1a2. Improper regulation of the human SLC1A2 gene is thought to be associated with several neurological disorders. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other solute carrier family 1 members and neuronal transporters with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P43004; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.