Transport mechanism and pharmacology of the human GlyT1. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38513663/)

These scientists wanted to learn more about a protein called GlyT1, which helps regulate how our brain cells communicate with each other. They studied GlyT1 because it is important for how certain brain receptors work, especially in people with schizophrenia.

To understand GlyT1 better, the scientists used a special technique called cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to take pictures of GlyT1 while it was holding onto a molecule called glycine and different drugs that are used to treat schizophrenia. They were able to capture three different shapes of GlyT1 - one facing outwards, one blocked, and one facing inwards.

By looking at these pictures, the scientists could see how GlyT1 changes its shape to pick up glycine and how the drugs fit into specific pockets on GlyT1. This helped them understand how the drugs work to treat schizophrenia and how they can potentially design new drugs to help people with this condition.

Wei Y., Li R., Meng Y., Hu T., Zhao J., Gao Y., Bai Q., Li N., Zhao Y. Transport mechanism and pharmacology of the human GlyT1. Cell. 2024 Mar 28;187(7):1719-1732.e14. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.026. Epub 2024 Mar 20.