Regulation of Glutamate Transporter Function

Abstract

Normal neuronal function and neuronal survival require that brain extracellular glutamate concentrations be maintained at low micromolar levels. This is accomplished by a family of Na⁺-dependent glutamate transporters. These transporters are expressed on both glia and neurons, but uptake by glia seems to predominate. Several transporter subtypes have been identified that differ in anatomical distribution, cell type of expression, and electrophysiological properties. Activity of the transporters can be influenced by changes in the uptake driving forces (thermodynamic forces) and by phosphorylation and other modulations that alter their kinetic properties. An understanding of the modulatory mech anisms and signal transduction systems that govern glutamate transport is now beginning to take shape. NEUROSCIENTIST 5:280-282, 1999