Dimerization and substrate recognition of human taurine transporter

Yimin Zhang, Jiahui Chen, Nanhao Chen, Haolin Xiong, Zhengjiang Zhu, Dongxue Yang (), Jingpeng Ge () and Jie Yu ()
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Yimin Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jiahui Chen: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Nanhao Chen: Peking University
Haolin Xiong: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Zhengjiang Zhu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Dongxue Yang: Sichuan University
Jingpeng Ge: ShanghaiTech University
Jie Yu: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Taurine is a conditionally essential nutrient and one of the most abundant amino acids in humans, with diverse physiological functions. The cellular uptake of taurine is primarily mediated by the taurine transporter (TauT), and its dysfunction leads to retinal regeneration, cardiomyopathy, neurological and aging-associated disorders. Here we determine structures of TauT in two states: the apo inward-facing open state and the occluded state bound with substrate taurine or γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In addition to monomer, the structures also reveal a TauT dimer, where two cholesterol molecules act as “molecular glue”, and close contacts of two TM5 from each protomer mediate the dimer interface. In combination with functional characterizations, our results elucidate the detailed mechanisms of substrate recognition, specificity and transport by TauT, providing a structural framework for understanding TauT function and exploring potential therapeutic strategies for taurine-deficiency-related disorders.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60967-z

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