Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1-like protein (MPC1L)

Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1-like protein (MPC1L) is a small mitochondrial inner membrane transporter. In humans, it forms a heterodimer with the protein MPC2, creating a functional pyruvate transporter in the testes. This complex facilitates the crucial step of shuttling pyruvate from glycolysis across the mitochondrial inner membrane to the matrix, where it feeds into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle for oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production. MPC1L shares about 64% identity with the broadly expressed MPC1 and is highly tissue-specific. Structural studies show the complex operates as an alternating access transporter, utilizing specific amino acid residues for pyruvate binding and transport in a pH-dependent mechanism. The MPC complex is of pharmacological interest as a therapeutic target for metabolic diseases and some cancers, with several small molecule inhibitors developed to modulate its activity

Other names

SLC54A3Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1-like proteinbrain protein 44-like protein 2MPC1L

Competitive inhibition of pyruvate transport (drugs bind at the substrate recognition site, blocking pyruvate access)