Regulation and Transport Mechanism of Choline Transporter-Like Protein 1 (CTL1/SLC44A1)

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As an essential nutrient, choline is mostly consumed for the biosynthesis of membrane phospholipids. Some choline is oxidised in mitochondria to betaine and only small amount of choline is used for acetylcholine synthesis. Choline is positively charged quaternary amine and requires a protein-mediated transport to pass the membranes. We recently established that choline-transporter-like protein 1 (CTL1) function as a choline transporter at the plasma membrane and mitochondria. CTL1 function depends on cell differentiation state and choline content. Choline deficiency reduces CTL1 levels, causing impairments in the membrane synthesis and increasing accumulation of lipid droplets. Choline addition stimulates CTL1 gene expression and restores its transport function. There are multiple unknowns about the CTL1 regulation and transport mechanism. We plan to elucidate: