Modeling, substrate docking, and mutational analysis identify residues essential for the function and specificity of a eukaryotic purine-cytosine NCS1 transporter

Abstract

Background: The purine-cytosine FcyB transporter is a prototype member of the NCS1 family. Results: Using homology modeling, substrate docking, and rational mutational analysis, we identify residues critical for function and specificity. Conclusion: Important aspects concerning the molecular mechanism and evolution of transporter specificity are revealed. Significance: The first systematic approach on structure-function-specificity relationships in a eukaryotic NCS1 member is shown. © 2012 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.