GLAST PROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
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GLAST protein, also known as glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST), refers to a transmembrane protein that functions as a transporter for the amino acid neurotransmitter L-glutamate and L-aspartate. It is primarily found in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in astrocytes, which are a type of glial cells responsible for supporting and regulating neurons.
GLAST protein plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of extracellular glutamate concentrations in the CNS. By actively removing excess glutamate from the synaptic cleft following neurotransmission, GLAST prevents glutamate build-up, which can lead to excitotoxicity – a process causing neuronal damage and potentially neurodegenerative diseases. This protein is essential for normal brain function, as glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter involved in various neural activities, including cognition, learning, and memory.
The GLAST protein is encoded by the SLC1A3 (solute carrier family 1 member 3) gene. Mutations or dysregulation of this gene can result in various disorders and neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. Additionally, GLAST dysfunction has also been associated with retinal degeneration and neuroinflammation.
Overall, GLAST protein acts as a critical regulator of glutamate levels in the CNS, contributing to brain homeostasis and neuronal protection. Understanding its function and potential therapeutic targets may provide insights into the treatment and prevention of a wide range of neurological disorders.
Common Misspellings for GLAST PROTEIN
- flast protein
- vlast protein
- blast protein
- hlast protein
- ylast protein
- tlast protein
- gkast protein
- gpast protein
- goast protein
- glzst protein
- glsst protein
- glwst protein
- glqst protein
- glaat protein
- glazt protein
- glaxt protein
- gladt protein
- glaet protein
- glawt protein
- glasr protein
Etymology of GLAST PROTEIN
The word "GLAST protein" has its etymology rooted in science and language.
Etymologically, GLAST stands for "glutamate aspartate transporter" and it refers to a specific protein that functions as a transporter for the neurotransmitters glutamate and aspartate in the central nervous system.
The term itself is derived from the words "glutamate" and "aspartate", which are amino acids and neurotransmitters involved in various physiological processes in the brain. The significance of the GLAST protein lies in its function of regulating the levels of glutamate and aspartate, which are essential for synaptic transmission and maintaining the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
The naming convention for proteins often involves acronyms or abbreviations based on their function, structure, or other significant characteristics.
