European researchers discover how transporter proteins delivery chemicals to cells
An EU-funded research team has explained how transporter proteins push chemical compounds through cell membranes then block other substances entering behind them.
An EU-funded research team has explained how transporter proteins push chemical compounds through cell membranes then block other substances entering behind them.
The European Membrane Protein Consortium examined how transporter protein Microbacterium hydantoin permease (Mhp1) transported hydantoin molecules across a membrane. It works like an air lock: the protein exposes its outer-facing side, giving hydantoin an opening to penetrate the barrier, then closes and subsequently opens its inward-facing side, releasing hydantoin into the cell.
Co-author Professor Peter Henderson, of the University of Leeds, said the development would "help chemists and industrial sponsors to design and develop drugs to manipulate their activities and treat patients".