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GLT1EAAT2

GLT1EAAT2, also known as Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 2 (EAAT2) or SLC1A2, is a high‑affinity sodium‑dependent glutamate transporter primarily expressed in astrocytes of the central nervous system. It belongs to the solute carrier family 1 (SLC1) and is the predominant mechanism for the clearance of extracellular glutamate, thereby terminating excitatory neurotransmission and preventing excitotoxicity.

Structure and function

The protein consists of 12 transmembrane helices forming a pore that couples glutamate transport to the co‑movement

Physiological relevance

Efficient operation of GLT1EAAT2 maintains low ambient glutamate concentrations, which is critical for synaptic fidelity, neuronal

Pathology

Reduced expression or functional impairment of GLT1EAAT2 has been implicated in several neurological disorders, including amyotrophic

Regulation

GLT1EAAT2 transcription is modulated by neuronal activity, cytokines, and growth factors such as cAMP response element‑binding

Research tools

Antibodies, radiolabeled glutamate uptake assays, and genetically engineered mouse models lacking or overexpressing SLC1A2 are commonly

of
three
Na⁺
ions,
one
H⁺
ion,
and
the
counter‑transport
of
one
K⁺
ion.
This
stoichiometry
enables
rapid
uptake
of
glutamate
from
the
synaptic
cleft
into
astrocytes.
Once
inside
the
cell,
glutamate
is
either
metabolized
to
glutamine
via
glutamine
synthetase
or
recycled
back
to
neurons
through
the
glutamine–glutamate
cycle.
survival,
and
modulation
of
plasticity.
Its
high
expression
in
forebrain
regions
aligns
with
areas
of
intense
excitatory
transmission.
lateral
sclerosis,
epilepsy,
Alzheimer’s
disease,
and
ischemic
stroke.
Experimental
up‑regulation
of
the
transporter
in
animal
models
confers
neuroprotection
and
attenuates
disease
phenotypes,
making
it
a
target
for
therapeutic
development.
protein
(CREB)
and
NF‑κB
pathways.
Post‑translational
mechanisms,
including
phosphorylation,
ubiquitination,
and
interactions
with
scaffolding
proteins,
influence
its
membrane
trafficking
and
stability.
employed
to
study
GLT1EAAT2
function
and
its
contribution
to
neurophysiology.