How the SLC26A11 transporter enables recycling within brain and kidney cells
Our cells have their own internal "garbage collection" system that gathers up everything that is defective, worn out or foreign. Acting as a sort of "cellular stomach," the so-called lysosomes are responsible for this recycling process. However, the breakdown products must also be transported out of the organelles again; otherwise, there is a risk of neurological disorders, some of which can be…
The SLC26A11 transporter plays a crucial role in recycling within brain and kidney cells, as discovered by a research consortium led by the MHH. Lysosomes, the cell's recycling centers, break down proteins and produce sulfate as a byproduct. However, excessive sulfate can impair enzyme function and lead to lysosomal storage diseases, such as Sanfilippo syndrome.
Researchers found that SLC26A11 regulates sulfate concentration in lysosomes, acting both as a transporter and a chloride channel. This dual function allows SLC26A11 to export sulfate with the help of H+ ions in exchange for chloride ions, preventing chloride accumulation and maintaining ion balance. Dysfunction of SLC26A11 may contribute to lysosomal storage and neurological disorders, opening up potential new therapeutic approaches for these conditions.
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