Abstract:

The transport of urea by membrane channel proteins is the main transport mode except free diffusion, which mediates the transport of urea between cells and organelles. These membrane channels transport urea selectively, and play important roles in the multiple physiological functions.In recent years, significant advances have been made in the structural biology of some urea-permeable membrane channels, detailing their molecular structure, physiological function and regulatory modification. These studies provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the close relationship between urea transport and related diseases, and greatly promoting the research and development of new drugs.

Key words:urea transport,channel structure,Xray crystal diffraction,Cryo-electron microscopy,diuretics