Solute carrier family 16 member 9 (SLC16A9)

Solute carrier family 16 member 9 (SLC16A9), commonly known as monocarboxylate transporter 9 (MCT9), is a membrane transporter protein localized to the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus in human tissues, particularly kidney and intestine. It mediates the transmembrane transport of small organic solutes including carnitine, creatine, urate, and β-hydroxybutyrate, and is sensitive to extracellular pH and sodium. SLC16A9 plays a crucial role in renal urate reabsorption and carnitine metabolism, and its genetic variation has been associated with serum uric acid and carnitine levels, influencing risk for gout, carnitine deficiency, and potentially other metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Downregulation of SLC16A9 is observed in renal cell carcinoma, where higher expression is associated with better patient prognosis and reduced cell proliferation. The protein is subject to proteasomal degradation, and its function can be modulated by protein expression levels and cellular stress. Therapeutic targeting is in early exploration stages, with implications for kidney, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases.

Other names

Monocarboxylate transporter 9MCT9C10orf36MOT9FLJ43803monocarboxylic acid transporter 9monocarboxylate transporter 9

Drugs or inhibitors would modulate substrate uptake (e.g., urate, carnitine) by altering transporter expression, inhibition, or localization.