Balancing redox homeostasis and the metabolic network through metabolite compartmentalisation: SLC25A13, aspartate, and the mitochondrion

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The mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, representing a nexus of the cellular metabolic activity that converts nutrients into useful building blocks for cell repair and growth. Central to this is the ability to get nutrients into and out of the mitochondria so that they are available for use throughout the cell. This is achieved through the nutrient transporters - in the mitochondria, many of these are members of the SLC25 gene family. SLC25A13 is one of two transporters that have been shown to move two amino acids - glutamate and aspartate - into and out of mitochondria. Aspartate is particularly vital for a number of different cellular processes, so its use by cells in different conditions may change. We were therefore surprised when one of our recent experiments showed that when cells are limited for oxygen, the cells suppress this transporter, so they can no longer use it. This suggests that we don't understand how this transporter works - something which is key if we are to better understand how our cells use nutrients when in different conditions. Our proposal here will shed light on all aspects of the SLC25A13 transporter - how it looks, how it is controlled in different cellular environments and what this means for its ability to support cell function and survival.