Solute carrier family 13 member 4 (SLC13A4)

Solute carrier family 13 member 4 (SLC13A4) is a membrane-bound sodium:sulfate symporter that mediates sodium-dependent sulfate reabsorption across cell membranes, especially in high endothelial venules and the placenta. The protein spans the membrane 12 times and is essential for sulfate uptake critical for fetal development and skeletal formation. Loss of function in mice causes severe developmental defects and embryonic lethality. SLC13A4 is closely related to other SLC13 family members (such as SLC13A1), but is distinguished by its tissue distribution and specific physiological roles in sulfate homeostasis and developmental processes. Its activity can be inhibited by certain inorganic anions and it is implicated in rare developmental and skeletal disorders in humans. No drug targeting SLC13A4 is currently approved, but its biochemical and physiological features make it a potential target for modulation in diseases that involve sulfate transport dysfunction.

Other names

Sodium/sulfate cotransporter SUT-1SUT1NaS2Sulphate transporter 1NAS2

Inhibitors block the sulfate symporter's transport function by competing for the same binding site or altering transporter conformation