Proton myo-inositol cotransporter (HMIT1) (HMIT1)

Proton myo-inositol cotransporter (HMIT1), encoded by the SLC2A13 gene, is a member of the solute carrier family 2 and the major facilitator superfamily [4, 8]. It is primarily expressed in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus and cortex, where it mediates the proton-coupled uptake of myo-inositol into neurons [1, 5]. Myo-inositol is a critical precursor for the phosphoinositide signaling pathway, which regulates various cellular processes including neurotransmitter release and cell growth [5]. HMIT1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of mood disorders and Alzheimer's disease, the latter through its role in regulating amyloid-beta formation [4, 5]. Additionally, it has been identified as a potential metabolic dependency in certain cancers like acute myeloid leukemia [13]. While no specific clinical drugs currently target HMIT1, it can be inhibited by compounds such as phloretin and cytochalasin B [8]. Its high expression in the central nervous system suggests that therapeutic modulation must be carefully managed to avoid neurotoxic effects or mood alterations [5].

Other names

SLC2A13H(+)-myo-inositol cotransporter 1GLUT13Solute carrier family 2 member 13H(+)-myo-inositol symporter 1

HMIT1 functions as a symporter that co-transports myo-inositol with protons (H+) across the cell membrane, primarily into the cytoplasm [1, 4]. Small molecule inhibitors like phloretin and cytochalasin B block this transport activity [8].