Organic anion transporter 7 (OAT7)

Organic anion transporter 7 (OAT7; SLC22A9) is a membrane protein found predominantly on the sinusoidal (basolateral) membrane of hepatocytes in the human liver. It specifically transports sulfate conjugates of endogenous steroids (estrone 3-sulfate, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), xenobiotics, and the statin drug pravastatin into liver cells. The transporter operates an exchange mechanism with short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, acting independently of sodium. It is not inhibited by probenecid (unlike other OATs) and is activated by SCFAs. OAT7 is implicated in hepatic drug uptake, hormone metabolism, and is associated with mismatch repair cancer syndrome. While its physiological and pathological roles are still being elucidated, OAT7 may be clinically important in pharmacokinetics and therapeutic modulation of drugs whose hepatic uptake relies on organic anion transport, particularly when other hepatic OATPs are compromised.

Other names

SLC22A9hOAT4OAT7UST3OAT4FLJ23666UST3HOrganic anion/short-chain fatty acid exchangerOrganic anion transporter 4

Transport/exchange of organic anion substrates (including sulfated steroids and pravastatin) into hepatocytes, often exchanging with short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate or valerate