Mitochondrial glutathione transporter SLC25A40 (SLC25A40)

SLC25A40 is a mitochondrial inner membrane transporter belonging to the SLC25 family, which is the largest family of mitochondrial metabolite transporters in humans. SLC25A40 is highly homologous to SLC25A39, and together, they perform a redundant and essential role in the transport of glutathione into mitochondria. Glutathione (GSH) is synthesized in the cytosol and imported into mitochondria where it is crucial for mitigating oxidative stress, maintaining redox balance, and supporting the biogenesis of iron–sulfur clusters required for mitochondrial function. SLC25A40 and SLC25A39 have been shown to be evolutionarily conserved, with loss-of-function in both resulting in severe mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired cell viability, particularly impacting erythropoiesis and potentially other processes reliant on mitochondrial integrity. While SLC25A39 is more strongly implicated in cancer metabolism, SLC25A40’s biological significance is evidenced in genetic screens and knockout models, but its therapeutic targeting and disease association remain less characterized. No small-molecule inhibitors, interacting drugs, or clinically validated biomarkers are reported for SLC25A40.

Other names

SLC25A40mitochondrial carrier family protein (MCFP)solute carrier family 25 member 40probable mitochondrial glutathione transporter SLC25A40