Adenosine Transporter (ENT/CNT)

Adenosine transporters are membrane proteins responsible for the regulated movement of adenosine across cell membranes. Adenosine itself cannot freely diffuse through biological membranes, so these specialized transporters are essential for controlling extracellular and intracellular adenosine concentrations. This regulation is crucial because adenosine plays key roles in cellular signaling, energy metabolism, and tissue protection. There are two main gene families encoding adenosine transporter proteins: Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporters (ENTs) and Concentrative Nucleoside Transporters (CNTs). ENTs mediate bidirectional transport, while CNTs mediate active uptake coupled to sodium gradients. Different subtypes have distinct expression patterns and inhibitor sensitivities, influencing purinergic signaling, drug pharmacokinetics, and tissue protection.

Other names

Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporters (ENTs)Concentrative Nucleoside Transporters (CNTs)es transporterei transporterhCNT1hCNT2hCNT3

Inhibition of adenosine transport