The Cystine/Glutamate Antiporter System x c − in Health and Disease: From Molecular Mechanisms to Novel Therapeutic Opportunities

The antiporter system xc− imports the amino acid cystine, the oxidized form of cysteine, into cells with a 1:1 counter-transport of glutamate. It is composed of a light chain, xCT, and a heavy chain, 4F2 heavy chain (4F2hc), and, thus, belongs to the family of heterodimeric amino acid transporters. Cysteine is the rate-limiting substrate for the important antioxidant glutathione (GSH) and, along with cystine, it also forms a key redox couple on its own. Glutamate is a major neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). By phylogenetic analysis, we show that system xc− is a rather evolutionarily new amino acid transport system. In addition, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the molecular…

• AA
  Alzheimer's Association

  Award: IRG-07-58874
• FC
  Fondation Charcot
• NI
  National Institutes of Health
• NE
  National Eye Institute
• NI
  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

  Award: NS051445