Monocarboxylate transporter 6 (MCT6)

Monocarboxylate transporter 6 (MCT6, encoded by SLC16A5) is a membrane protein belonging to the solute carrier family 16 and major facilitator superfamily. It functions primarily as a proton-linked transporter of monocarboxylates, including certain drugs (bumetanide, nateglinide, probenecid, thiazides, glibenclamide) and possibly endogenous substrates such as prostaglandin F2α. Although its physiological role is not fully annotated, evidence indicates MCT6 contributes to the regulation of prostaglandin F2α levels, especially under dietary modulation, and is expressed mainly in tissues involved in absorption and distribution (kidney, liver, intestine). Due to its ability to transport drugs and endogenous metabolites, it is considered a potential therapeutic target and a mediator of drug-drug and drug-diet interactions.

Other names

Solute carrier family 16 member 5SLC16A5MCT5Monocarboxylate transporter 5Monocarboxylate transporter 6

Inhibition or substrate competition at the transporter, potentially affecting drug or prostaglandin pharmacokinetics (e.g., probenecid or bumetanide inhibiting MCT6-mediated transport; substrate drugs using MCT6 for cellular entry or exit)