Monocarboxylate transporter 10 (MCT10)

Monocarboxylate transporter 10 (MCT10), encoded by the SLC16A10 gene, is a membrane transporter belonging to the monocarboxylate transporter family and the major facilitator superfamily. It is primarily responsible for the sodium- and proton-independent transport of aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan) and has significant activity in facilitating both the uptake and efflux of thyroid hormones, especially triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), across cell membranes. Unlike MCT8, which is highly specific for thyroid hormone transport, MCT10 can also transport amino acids and may play a role in modulating intracellular thyroid hormone concentrations in various tissues, including neural and endocrine organs. Deficiencies or abnormalities in this transporter are linked to altered hormone availability, but no direct pathogenic mutations leading to monogenic disease have been conclusively established for MCT10. It is an active area of study for understanding hormone homeostasis and potential therapeutic manipulation.

Other names

SLC16A10Solute carrier family 16 member 10T-type amino acid transporter 1 (TAT1)Aromatic amino acid transporter 1

Facilitated diffusion (sodium- and proton-independent transport) of thyroid hormones and aromatic amino acids across the plasma membrane.