Solute carrier family 15 member 2 (PEPT2) (SLC15A2)

Solute carrier family 15 member 2 (SLC15A2), commonly known as PEPT2, is a high-affinity, low-capacity proton-coupled transporter primarily responsible for the reabsorption of di- and tripeptides in the kidney. It is localized to the apical membrane of the renal proximal tubule and is also significantly expressed in the choroid plexus, lung, and mammary glands (UniProt, 1.4.3; Wikipedia, 1.4.5). In the brain, SLC15A2 plays a critical role in maintaining neuropeptide homeostasis by facilitating the efflux of peptide fragments from the cerebrospinal fluid (PubMed, 1.3.1). Beyond endogenous peptides, the transporter is a key determinant in the pharmacokinetics of various peptidomimetic drugs, including beta-lactam antibiotics, ACE inhibitors, and antiviral prodrugs (Guide to Pharmacology, 1.2.1). Genetic polymorphisms in SLC15A2, such as the PEPT2*2 variant, have been associated with altered susceptibility to environmental toxins like lead and may influence drug response (PubMed, 1.4.4). Its involvement in the transport of bacterial peptidoglycans also links it to innate immune responses via the NOD2 signaling pathway (MapMyGenome, 1.3.2). Consequently, SLC15A2 is a significant target for optimizing drug delivery and understanding inter-individual variability in drug disposition and toxicity.

Other names

PEPT2Peptide transporter 2Kidney-type H+/peptide cotransporterSolute carrier family 15 (H+/peptide transporter) member 2Oligopeptide transporter kidney isoform

Substrate for proton-coupled electrogenic symport, facilitating the uphill transport of di- and tripeptides across the plasma membrane driven by a proton gradient.