Multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 2 (MATE2)

Multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 2 (MATE2), encoded by the SLC47A2 gene, is a membrane transporter primarily expressed in the kidney, where it mediates the excretion of endogenous and exogenous organic cations, including many drugs, into urine through a proton-coupled antiport mechanism. MATE2 is a member of the MATE transporter family (part of the SLC47 solute carrier family), sharing homology with bacterial MATE proteins and characterized structurally by 12 transmembrane helices. MATE2 works collaboratively with other transporters (such as OCT2) to facilitate renal and hepatic clearance of cationic compounds, and its function is crucial for determining the pharmacokinetics of several commonly used medications. Genetic polymorphisms in MATE2 can influence transporter expression and activity, affecting patient response and the risk of adverse drug effects for substrates such as metformin and cimetidine. MATE2 is thus an important target for understanding drug-drug interactions, adverse drug responses, and personalized medicine involving transporter-mediated drug clearance.

Other names

SLC47A2MATE2MATE2-B

Inhibition of organic cation transport, Modulation of renal and hepatic clearance, Proton-coupled antiport, Drug-drug interaction via transporter inhibition