Cracking the Code: Understanding Nutrient Absorption in Cells.
Researchers have identified the protein responsible for transporting choline into cells, which could have implications for treating diseases associated with metabolite transportation. The protein, FLVCR1, was found to be linked to choline, a nutrient that is important for cell membranes and neurotransmitters. The discovery may have immediate implications for people living with posterior column ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa (PCARP), a disease caused by a mutation in this transporter protein. The study also demonstrates a proof of concept for identifying other transport proteins and their links to diseases.