Coupling of Sodium and Substrate Fluxes in the Na+/multivitamin Transporter

Columbia University, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

Despite our increasing knowledge of the structures of sodium-coupled membrane transport proteins, understanding the mechanism by which the energy of the transmembrane electrochemical sodium ion gradient is translated into the coupled transport of other molecules across the membrane is still a major challenge. This project will test the central hypothesis that the allosteric interaction of two substrate binding sites in the sodium/multivitamin transporter is required for coupled transport. The results of this project are expected to lead to a novel paradigm for the mechanism of ion-gradient coupled membrane transport, a central feature in the biology of all living systems. Broader Impacts. This project integrates teaching in molecular biological and membrane biochemical/biophysical techniques within its overall scientific objectives through hands-on education of the next generation of scientists (i.e., graduate and undergraduate students, pre-college students, and K-12 science teachers). Special consideration will be given to broadening the participation of women and under-represented groups, and the PI?s outreach activities include the international exchange of undergraduate and graduate students with Spain and Germany.