SLC1A2

Excitatory amino-acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) also known as solute carrier family 1 member 2 (SLC1A2) is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC1A2 is_associated_with::gene. Alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene have been described, but their full-length nature is not known.

Function
SLC1A2 / EAAT2 is a member of a family of the is_associated_with::solute carrier family of proteins. The membrane-bound protein is the principal transporter that clears the excitatory is_associated_with::neurotransmitter glutamate from the extracellular space at synapses in the central nervous system. Glutamate clearance is necessary for proper synaptic activation and to prevent neuronal damage from excessive activation of is_associated_with::glutamate receptors.

Clinical significance
Mutations in and decreased expression of this protein are associated with is_associated_with::amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The drug is_associated_with::riluzole approved for the treatment of ALS upregulates EAAT2.

is_associated_with::Ceftriaxone, an antibiotic, has been shown to induce/enhance the expression of EAAT2, resulting in reduced glutamate activity. Ceftriaxone has been shown to reduce the development and expression of tolerance to opiates and other drugs of abuse. EAAT2 may possess an important role in modulating drug addiction and tolerance.

Upregulation of EAAT2(GLT-1) causes impairment of is_associated_with::prepulse inhibition, a is_associated_with::sensory gating deficit present in schizophrenics and schizophrenia animal models. Some antipsychotics have been shown to reduce the expression of EAAT2.

Interactions
SLC1A2 has been shown to interact with JUB.