Sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 1 and 2 (SVCT1 and SVCT2) (SVCT1 and SVCT2)

Sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters 1 and 2 (SVCT1 and SVCT2) are specialized transmembrane proteins responsible for the uptake of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) into cells (Bürzle et al., 2011). SVCT1, encoded by the SLC23A1 gene, is primarily expressed in epithelial tissues such as the small intestine and proximal renal tubules, where it regulates systemic vitamin C homeostasis through absorption and reabsorption (UniProt Consortium, 2024). In contrast, SVCT2, encoded by SLC23A2, is ubiquitously expressed with high levels in the brain, neuroendocrine tissues, and the eye, serving to maintain high intracellular ascorbate concentrations required for antioxidant protection and enzymatic co-factor functions (Nualart et al., 2014). These transporters utilize a sodium-gradient-driven symport mechanism to move ascorbate against its concentration gradient (Savini et al., 2008). In clinical contexts, SVCT2 is often overexpressed in various cancer types to mitigate oxidative stress, making it a potential target for redox-based therapies (Sotiriou et al., 2002). Conversely, mutations or downregulation of these transporters are linked to increased susceptibility to chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, due to impaired antioxidant capacity (May, 2011).

Other names

SLC23A1SLC23A2Solute carrier family 23 member 1Solute carrier family 23 member 2hSVCT1hSVCT2Yolk sac permease-like protein 1Yolk sac permease-like protein 2

Sodium-coupled active transport of L-ascorbic acid across the plasma membrane against a concentration gradient