Organic anion transporter family (OAT)

The Organic anion transporter family (OAT family) constitutes a group of membrane transport proteins in the SLC22 solute carrier family, functioning principally to mediate the cellular transport of a wide range of endogenous and exogenous organic anions (including drugs, hormones, toxins, and metabolites) across biological membranes. OAT family members are expressed in various tissues, with a strong presence in kidneys and liver, and play crucial roles in drug elimination, metabolite excretion, and inter-organ communication. Their clinically significant broad substrate range renders them central to pharmacokinetics, drug–drug interactions, and the pathophysiology of drug toxicity and metabolic disease. However, the "OAT family" is a broad biochemical classification, and precise targeting or clinical applications require specific member identification such as OAT1 or OAT3.

Other names

OAT familyOrganic anion transporting polypeptidesSolute carrier family 22 (SLC22) transporters

Uptake/efflux of small molecule drugs and endogenous compounds (by antiport or facilitated diffusion, often exchanging organic anions with α-ketoglutarate or dicarboxylates)