GLASTEAAT1

GLASTEAAT1 is a gene located on chromosome 19q13.2, which encodes the protein GLAST (glutamate aspartate transporter). GLAST is a member of the sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter (SNAT) family, which facilitates the transport of neutral amino acids across cell membranes. GLAST plays a crucial role in the reuptake of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, from the synaptic cleft, thereby terminating its signaling and preventing excessive stimulation of postsynaptic receptors. This process is essential for maintaining proper neurotransmission and preventing excitotoxicity, a condition characterized by excessive glutamate levels leading to neuronal damage.

GLASTEAAT1 is highly expressed in the brain, particularly in neurons, and its dysfunction has been implicated in various neurological disorders. Mutations in GLASTEAAT1 have been associated with a rare genetic disorder known as glutamatergic excitotoxicity type 1 (GLE1), which is characterized by severe intellectual disability, epilepsy, and early-onset neurodegeneration. Additionally, alterations in GLAST expression and function have been observed in other neurological conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential role in these disorders as well.

Research on GLASTEAAT1 and its protein product, GLAST, continues to explore its mechanisms and functions in the brain, with the aim of developing targeted therapies for neurological disorders. Understanding the molecular pathways regulated by GLAST and its interactions with other proteins may provide insights into the pathogenesis of these conditions and pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions.