GLT

GLT is an acronym that can refer to multiple terms, but in science and medicine it most frequently denotes GLT-1, a glutamate transporter. GLT-1 stands for glutamate transporter 1 and is also known as EAAT2, or excitatory amino acid transporter 2. This transporter is primarily expressed in astrocytes in the mammalian brain and spinal cord. Its main function is to remove glutamate from the synaptic cleft after neurotransmission by coupling uptake to sodium and, to a lesser extent, potassium gradients. By clearing extracellular glutamate, GLT-1 helps terminate excitatory signaling and protects neurons from excitotoxicity.

GLT-1 is encoded by the SLC1A2 gene in humans. It is regulated at the transcriptional and post-translational levels and can be affected by disease and injury. Reduced GLT-1 function or expression has been associated with neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy, while increased GLT-1 activity can be neuroprotective in experimental models. Pharmacological or gene therapy approaches aiming to enhance GLT-1 function are active areas of research.

Beyond neuroscience, GLT is used as an acronym in various organizations, programs, and technologies, and its meaning depends on context. There is no single universally recognized alternative for GLT; a disambiguation is usually required.