Regulation of nucleoside transporters

细胞的细胞膜中含有蛋白质，这些蛋白质能够将重要的营养物质转移到细胞中，并从细胞中去除不需要的物质。我们正在研究一种特殊类型的“运输”蛋白，它与核苷的细胞摄取和释放有关。核苷是一类被用作DNA和RNA构建单元的物质，对控制细胞功能的许多其他方面也很重要。细胞在不同时间需要不同水平的核苷，并且必须适应其环境，以确保细胞内外的核苷浓度维持在特定水平。我们正在研究这种细胞适应过程。我们的研究主要集中在细胞如何调节“核苷转运体”的数量和活性。已知核苷转运体活性的增加或减少可以改变组织的血流量，保护心脏和脑组织免受短暂性缺血发作的损害，并改变癫痫发作的持续时间。更好地了解身体是如何调节这些转运蛋白的，将有助于我们开发出更好的治疗心力衰竭、癫痫和中风等疾病的方法。这些研究也将增强我们对细胞如何调节其代谢以应对环境影响的理解。

Cells contain proteins in their membranes that enable the transfer of important nutrients into the cell, as well as the removal of unwanted substances from the cells. We are studying one particular type of these "transport" proteins that is involved in the cellular uptake and release of nucleosides. Nucleosides are a class of substances that are used as the building blocks for DNA and RNA, and are also important for controlling many other aspects of cell function. Cells require different levels of nucleosides at different times, and must adapt to their environment to ensure that the nucleoside concentrations, both inside and outside the cell, are maintained at specific levels. We are studying this cellular adaptation process. Our studies are focussed on how cells regulate the number and activity of "nucleoside transporters". An increase or decrease in nucleoside transporter activity has been known to modify blood flow to tissues, protect the heart and brain tissue from damage during transient ischemic episodes, and modify the duration of seizures. A better understanding of how the body regulates these transporters will enhance our ability to develop better therapies for conditions such as heart failure, seizures, and stroke. These studies will also enhance our understanding of how the cell regulates its metabolism in response to environmental influences.