Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that Na(+)/Cl(-)-dependent neurotransmitter transporters exist as homo-oligomeric proteins. However, the functional implication of this oligomerization remains unclear. Here we demonstrate the engineering of a Zn(2+) binding site at the predicted dimeric interface of the dopamine transporter (DAT) corresponding to the external end of transmembrane segment 6. Upon binding to this site, which involves a histidine inserted in position 310 (V310H) and the endogenous Cys306 within the same DAT molecule, Zn(2+) potently inhibits [(3)H]dopamine uptake. These data provide indirect evidence that conformational changes critical for the translocation process may occur at the interface between two transporter molecules in the oligomeric structure.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Tidsskrift | FEBS Letters |
Vol/bind | 524 |
Udgave nummer | 1-3 |
Sider (fra-til) | 87-91 |
Antal sider | 5 |
ISSN | 0014-5793 |
Status | Udgivet - 31 jul. 2002 |