Endogenous substance transport

The term 'Endogenous substance transport' refers broadly to the physiological process by which endogenous molecules such as nutrients, metabolites, ions, and signaling compounds are moved across cellular membranes via specialized membrane transporter proteins. These transporters belong to superfamilies such as the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) families and are essential for maintaining cellular and systemic homeostasis, regulating metabolic pathways, protecting sensitive tissues, and modulating pharmacokinetics of drugs. As this is a process and not a distinct molecular entity, it is not considered a direct therapeutic target itself, though many specific endogenous substance transporters (e.g., P-glycoprotein, organic cation transporters) are individually validated drug targets and are associated with disease mechanisms ranging from cancer resistance to metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders.

Other names

Endogenous substance transporterMembrane transporterSubstrate transporterSolute transporter