Organic anion transporter protein (OAT (for "organic anion transporter") and OATP (for "organic-anion-transporting polypeptide"), used according to family/subtype)

Organic anion transporter proteins are transmembrane proteins encompassing several families (notably the SLC22A family for OAT, SLCO family for OATP, and the ABCC family for MRP) mediating the transport of a diverse range of endogenous metabolites and xenobiotic compounds. These proteins play a pivotal physiological role in the renal secretion of organic anions, hepatic clearance of bile acids, steroid conjugates, and hormones, and serve as a major pathway for drug and toxin elimination. Their biological importance is underscored by their involvement in human disease (renal, hepatic, metabolic) and their critical role in determining drug pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety. Multiple drugs (statins, chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics, etc.) are known substrates or inhibitors of organic anion transporters, and gene variants in these families can serve as biomarkers for treatment selection and safety monitoring.

Other names

Organic-anion-transporting polypeptideOAT (organic anion transporter)OATP (organic-anion-transporting polypeptide)SLC22 transporters (for OATs)SLCO transporters (for OATPs)Multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP; related family)

Facilitate or inhibit transporter-mediated uptake/bioavailability of drugs Block transporter to modulate toxin/drug clearance Change drug plasma/bile/urine concentrations via competitive inhibition