Close Encounters of the Oily Kind: Regulation of Transporters by Lipids

Abstract

Neurotransmitter transporter function can be influenced by a variety of physiological factors, such as temperature, membrane voltage, pH, ion gradients, endogenous ligands, and accessory proteins. Several successful drugs that target transporter proteins, such as the selective reuptake inhibitors, have also been developed. One mechanism for regulating membrane protein function that has only started to make the list has been the impact of lipid environment. Over the last few decades, lipids, the unsung heroes of regulation have begun to emerge as critical modulators of membrane protein function through their direct actions on proteins, through their influence on the lipid milieu and through their roles in signaling pathways.