Molecular and Functional Characterization of Choline Transporter-Like Proteins in Esophageal Cancer Cells and Potential Therapeutic Targets.

In this study, we examined the molecular and functional characterization of choline uptake in the human esophageal cancer cells. In addition, we examined the influence of various drugs on the transport of [H]choline, and explored the possible correlation between the inhibition of choline uptake and apoptotic cell death. We found that both choline transporter-like protein 1 (CTL1) and CTL2 mRNAs and proteins were highly expressed in esophageal cancer cell lines (KYSE series).

Functional analysis of choline transporters in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts.

Objectives: In this study, we examined the functional characteristics of choline uptake and sought to identify the transporters in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs).

Methods: The expression of choline transporters was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. Time course, Na-dependency, and kinetics of [H]choline uptake were investigated.