Solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 4c1

Ideogram human chromosome 5

Solute Carrier Organic Anion Transporter Family Member 4C1 (SLCO4C1) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLCO4C1 gene. This protein is part of the solute carrier family, a group of membrane transport proteins that facilitate the movement of solutes across the cell membrane. Specifically, SLCO4C1 is involved in the transport of organic anions, which are negatively charged organic compounds. This transporter plays a crucial role in the process of removing waste products and toxins from cells, as well as in the uptake of various drugs and endogenous compounds.

Function

SLCO4C1 is an organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) that significantly contributes to the physiological and pharmacological processes in the human body. It is predominantly expressed in the kidney and to a lesser extent in the liver, where it mediates the sodium-independent transport of a wide range of endogenous and exogenous organic anions, including hormones, bile acids, and pharmaceutical drugs. The transporter facilitates the cellular uptake of these compounds, which is essential for their subsequent metabolism and excretion.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the expression or function of SLCO4C1 can have significant clinical implications. Variants in the SLCO4C1 gene have been associated with various diseases and conditions, including hypertension, renal disease, and altered drug pharmacokinetics. For instance, mutations in SLCO4C1 can lead to reduced transporter activity, affecting drug clearance and potentially leading to drug toxicity. Conversely, increased expression of SLCO4C1 may enhance the elimination of certain drugs, reducing their efficacy.

Understanding the role of SLCO4C1 in drug transport and metabolism has implications for pharmacogenomics, the study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs. Pharmacogenomic testing can help in predicting patient response to certain medications, thereby enabling personalized medicine approaches.

Genetic and Molecular Aspects

The SLCO4C1 gene is located on chromosome 5q21 in humans. It encodes a protein that is part of the larger solute carrier family, which includes numerous transporters with diverse functions in solute transport across cell membranes. The structure of SLCO4C1, like other members of the OATP family, is characterized by multiple transmembrane domains that form a channel through which substrates can pass.

Research Directions

Research on SLCO4C1 continues to explore its substrate specificity, regulatory mechanisms, and potential role in disease. Studies are also focused on understanding how genetic variations in SLCO4C1 affect its expression and function, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for diseases associated with altered organic anion transport.