Ileal Sodium-Dependent Bile Acid Transporter (IBAT)

Ileal sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (IBAT/ASBT), encoded by the SLC10A2 gene, is a membrane-bound symporter responsible for the active reabsorption of bile acids from the lumen of the small intestine (ileum) using a sodium gradient. It plays a critical role in maintaining enterohepatic circulation by reclaiming both conjugated and unconjugated bile acids back into enterocytes for return to the liver, which is essential for efficient digestion and absorption of dietary lipids. Reduced expression or function leads to increased fecal loss of bile acids, potentially resulting in diarrhea or fat malabsorption. IBAT/ASBT inhibitors are being developed as treatments for chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Other names

ASBTSLC10A2Apical sodium–bile acid transporterIleal bile acid transporterISBTNTCP2PBAMPBAM1

Inhibition of IBAT/ASBT, Glucocorticoid-induced transcriptional upregulation, PKCζ-mediated posttranslational modulation