Solute carrier family 10 member 4 (SLC10A4)

Solute carrier family 10 member 4 (SLC10A4) is a protein belonging to the SLC10 sodium/bile acid transporter family, though, unlike other family members (SLC10A1/NTCP, SLC10A2/ASBT), SLC10A4 does not show clear plasma membrane bile acid transport activity under normal physiological conditions[5][6]. It is mainly expressed in cholinergic and monoaminergic neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system and is associated with synaptic vesicle membranes, suggesting a possible role in regulating neurotransmitter storage or release rather than classical bile acid transport[5][6]. Recent studies suggest that SLC10A4 can act as a protease-activated transporter with low-level bile acid transport activity under certain conditions, such as after proteolytic cleavage[2]. However, its endogenous substrates and precise physiological functions remain largely unknown, and it is sometimes considered an orphan transporter[5][6][2][3]. Due to the limited understanding of its function, there are currently no known drugs directly targeting SLC10A4, no established clinical biomarkers, and no defined safety concerns, though its role in neurotransmitter regulation may have implications for neurological disorders[5][6][3].

Other names

Sodium/bile acid cotransporter 4Na(+)/bile acid cotransporter 4Bile acid transporter SLC10A4Solute carrier family 10 (sodium/bile acid cotransporter family), member 4SLC10A4P4MGC29802Solute carrier family 10, member 4