Renal Organic Anion Transporter (OAT)

Renal organic anion transporters (OATs) are a group of membrane proteins primarily responsible for the active transport of a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous organic anions across renal proximal tubule cells. These transporters play a central role in kidney function, particularly in the secretion and elimination of metabolic waste products, drugs, toxins, and other small molecules from the bloodstream into urine. The main renal OATs are OAT1 (SLC22A6) and OAT3 (SLC22A8), both members of the solute carrier 22 (SLC22) gene family. Their activity/expression level can significantly affect drug pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and drug-drug interactions. Inhibition or genetic variation can lead to altered drug clearance or increased toxicity risk. Many nephrotoxic drugs rely on these pathways for elimination; thus transporter dysfunction may contribute to drug-induced kidney injury. Regulation of these transporters is complex and impaired in renal failure.

Other names

Organic anion transporterOAT1 (SLC22A6)OAT3 (SLC22A8)SLC22A6SLC22A8

Tertiary active exchange with dicarboxylates