Solute carrier family 14 member 2 (SLC14A2)

Solute carrier family 14 member 2 (SLC14A2) encodes a highly selective urea transporter protein primarily expressed in the inner medulla of the kidney, where it mediates rapid transepithelial urea transport across the inner medullary collecting duct[1][5]. SLC14A2 is essential for the urinary concentration mechanism by facilitating urea reabsorption and recycling; this supports the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine and maintain fluid balance[3][4][5]. The encoded protein belongs to the urea transporter family, specifically the UT-A subgroup. Multiple alternatively spliced variants exist, conferring tissue and functional diversity. SLC14A2 is also involved in the process of urea nitrogen salvaging, indirectly supporting nutritional balance and gut microbiota in some mammals[3]. Urea transporter activity can be selectively blocked by certain inhibitors, which has implications for urinary concentrating disorders and fluid-electrolyte pathologies. There are no major inherited diseases directly caused by SLC14A2 mutations in humans but its expression is sensitive to hormonal regulation and renal physiological state[3][5].

Other names

Urea transporter 2UT-A2HUT2UT2UTAUTRhUT-A6urea transporter, kidneyurea transporter 2solute carrier family 14 (urea transporter) member 2

Urea transporter inhibition—blocks renal urea reabsorption, increases diuresis