Monocarboxylate transporter 5 (SLC16A4)

Monocarboxylate transporter 5 (SLC16A4) is a transmembrane protein belonging to the solute carrier family 16 of monocarboxylate transporters, involved in the proton-dependent transport of metabolic monocarboxylates such as lactate, pyruvate, ketone bodies (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate), and branched-chain oxo acids across the plasma membrane[1][3][4]. It plays key roles in cellular metabolism, pH regulation, and cell migration, particularly under hypoxic conditions. SLC16A4 is candidate therapeutic and prognostic target in cancers (e.g., pseudomyxoma peritonei, pancreatic cancer, certain colorectal tumors) where it is frequently overexpressed, and contributes to metabolic adaptation and cell migration in the tumor microenvironment[1][2][4]. While inhibitors have not yet been clinically developed for SLC16A4 specifically, the protein remains of significant interest for oncology drug discovery and precision biomarker panels[1][2].

Other names

Solute carrier family 16 member 4Monocarboxylate transporter 4MCT4MCT5

No specific mechanism of action for drugs directly targeting SLC16A4 is described; mechanisms for related isoforms involve inhibition of monocarboxylate transport leading to disruption of tumor metabolic adaptation.