Abstract: The present invention is directed to the identification of modulators for SLC22A7 transporter and therapeutic uses thereof. Hence, in one embodiment the present invention relates to a method for identifying and/or obtaining a compound capable of modulating glutamate transport, comprising contacting a test compound with a system for measuring those transport activity, which system comprises an SLC22A7 polypeptide or a functional fragment thereof, and a substrate for measuring glutamate transport by the system; and detecting an altered level of the those transport activity of the SLC22A7 polypeptide or functional fragment in the presence of the test compound compared to the described transport activity in the absence of the test compound and/or presence of a control.

Abstract: The transporter that translocates ergothioneine has been identified. Described are methods for identifying and obtaining compounds capable of modulating ergothioneine transport as well as the use of such compounds for the treatment of diseases ergothioneine may be involved in such as autoimmune diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other diseases arising from cell damage caused by radiation, radicals and relative oxidant species. Furthermore, diagnostic means and methods for determining the presence or susceptibility to such a disease are provided.

Abstract: The transporter that translocates ergothioneine has been identified. Described are methods for identifying and obtaining compounds capable of modulating ergothioneine transport as well as the use of such compounds for the treatment of diseases ergothioneine may be involved in such as autoimmune diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other diseases arising from cell damage caused by radiation, radicals and relative oxidant species. Furthermore, diagnostic means and methods for determining the presence or susceptibility to such a disease are provided.

Abstract: A transport protein has been cloned which is present in liver epithelial cells and kidney epithelial cells and in intestinal cells and is responsible for transporting cationic pharmaceuticals and/or xenobiotics. This transport protein has been described more specifically by its DNA and amino acid sequences, and various uses are disclosed which are, in particular, of great importance for developing novel medicaments.

Abstract: A transport protein has been cloned which is present in liver epithelial cells and kidney epithelial cells and in intestinal cells and is responsible for transporting cationic pharmaceuticals and/or xenobiotics. This transport protein has been described more specifically by its DNA and amino acid sequences, and various uses are disclosed which are, in particular, of great importance for developing novel medicaments.