Sodium-dependent organic anion transporter (SLC10A6)

Sodium-dependent organic anion transporter (SLC10A6, also known as SOAT) is a transmembrane sodium-coupled transporter specialized in importing monosulfated steroid hormones (such as estrone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) from the extracellular space into target cells, enabling local steroid hormone activation via the sulfatase pathway. SLC10A6 is a member of the solute carrier 10 (SLC10) family but, unlike the classic bile acid transporters (NTCP/SLC10A1, ASBT/SLC10A2), its physiological substrates are primarily sulfated steroids, with negligible transport of common bile acids. It has nine transmembrane domains and is highly expressed in hormone-responsive tissues as well as adipose tissues, and its expression is regulated in response to inflammation, adipogenesis, and potentially by nuclear receptors. Mutant mice lacking SLC10A6 display altered adipocyte physiology, implicating it in metabolic regulation. SLC10A6 is being studied for its potential role in steroid-responsive cancers (e.g., breast cancer), adipose tissue function, and overall endocrine regulation, but is not currently a therapeutic drug target.

Other names

SOATSolute carrier family 10 member 6Sodium-dependent organic anion transporterSolute carrier family 10 (sodium/bile acid cotransporter) member 6

Sodium-coupled co-transport of 3′- and 17′-monosulfated steroid hormones into cells, providing precursor molecules for local (intracrine) synthesis of active estrogens and androgens.