Unveiling the Structure of PROT and ATB^0,+: Unique Members of the Glycine Transporter Subfamily

The proline transporter (PROT, SLC6A7) and the neutral and cationic amino acid transporter (ATB^0,+, SLC6A14) belong to the glycine transporter subfamily, exhibiting distinct substrate specificities and physiological functions. PROT modulates neurotransmission through proline transport in the brain, while ATB^0,+ facilitates nutrient uptake, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. Impaired function of PROT has been associated with neurological disorders, while ATB^0,+ overexpression has been linked to cancers. Despite their biological relevance, the pool of known ligands for these transporters is limited, and their exact 3D structures remain unknown. Therefore, we conducted an in silico analysis of PROT and ATB^0,+ and compared the obtained results with available literature data on the glycine transporter GlyT1, from the same subfamily. Using homology modelling, docking studies, and molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the structural properties of PROT and ATB^0,+ and described protein–ligand interactions. We pointed crucial residues responsible for ligand binding, including Tyr133, Tyr297, Phe303, and Phe403 in PROT and Trp327, Val128, and Tyr321 in ATB^0,+. This work provides new insights into the molecular features of PROT and ATB^0,+ transporters, which could support the development of novel transporter inhibitors.