Structural basis of sodium ion-dependent carnitine transport by OCTN2.

ABSTRACT: Carnitine is essential for the import of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria, where they are used for energy production. The carnitine transporter OCTN2 (novel organic cation transporter 2, SLC22A5) mediates carnitine uptake across the plasma membrane and as such facilitates fatty acid metabolism in most tissues. OCTN2 dysfunction causes systemic primary carnitine deficiency (SPCD), a potentially lethal disorder. Despite its importance in metabolism, the mechanism of high-affinity, sodium ion-dependent transport by OCTN2 is unclear. Here we report cryo-EM structures of human OCTN2 in three conformations: inward-facing ligand-free, occluded carnitine- and Na⁺-bound, and inward-facing ipratropium-bound. These structures define key interactions responsible for carnitine transp

SUBMITTER: Davies JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12780140 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature