Substrate binding and inhibition of the anion exchanger 1 transporter.

Anion exchanger 1 (AE1), a member of the solute carrier (SLC) family, is the primary bicarbonate transporter in erythrocytes, regulating pH levels and CO transport between lungs and tissues. Previous studies characterized its role in erythrocyte structure and provided insight into transport regulation. However, key questions remain regarding substrate binding and transport, mechanisms of drug inhibition and modulation by membrane components.