NCBI Summary:
The SLC1A5 gene encodes a sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter that can act as a receptor for RD114/type D retrovirus (Larriba et al., 2001 [PubMed 11781704]).[supplied by OMIM, Jan 2011]
General function
Channel/transport protein
Comment
Cellular localization
Plasma membrane
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Ovarian function
Comment
Syncytin-1 and its receptor is present in human gametes. Bjerregaard B 2014 et al.
MAIN PURPOSE AND RESEARCH QUESTION
To determine whether the true fusogen Syncytin-1 and its receptor (ASCT-2) is present in human gametes using qRT-PCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence.
METHODS
Donated oocytes and spermatozoa, originating from a fertility center in tertiary referral university hospital, underwent qRT-PCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analyzes.
RESULTS
Quantitative RT-PCR of sperm samples from sperm donors showed that syncytin-1 is present in all samples, however, protein levels varied between donors. Syncytin-1 immunoreactivity predominates in the sperm head and around the equatorial segment. The receptor ASCT-2 is expressed in the acrosomal region and in the sperm tail. Moreover, ASCT-2, but not syncytin-1, is expressed in oocytes and the mRNA level increases with increasing maturity of the oocytes.
CONCLUSIONS
Syncytin and its receptor are present in human gametes and localization and temporal appearance is consistent with a possible role in fusion between oocyte and sperm.
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Expression regulated by
Comment
Ovarian localization
Oocyte
Comment
Biodistribution of the RD114/mammalian type D retrovirus receptor, RDR Green BJ, et al .
The limited expression of viral receptors on target cells is a recognized barrier to therapeutic gene transfer. Previous analysis of receptor expression has been performed using indirect methods due to a lack of receptor-specific antibodies. In this report the authors have used anti-RDR antiserum to provide direct histochemical and flow cytometric analysis of the expression of RDR, which is the cognate receptor for RD114-pseudotyped vectors as well as being a neutral amino acid transporter. RDR was present on a range of normal tissues with relevance to gene therapy including: colon, testis, ovary, bone marrow and skeletal muscle. Of relevance to possible germline gene transfer, there is a lack of RDR expression on male or female germ cells.