Solute carrier family 22 member 6 (Organic anion transporter 1) (SLC22A6)

Solute carrier family 22 member 6 (SLC22A6), commonly known as Organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), is a transmembrane protein primarily expressed in the basolateral membrane of renal proximal tubule cells (UniProt: P48431). It functions as an organic anion/dicarboxylate exchanger, facilitating the uptake of substrates from the blood into the kidney for subsequent secretion into the urine (PubMed: 23506833). This transporter is essential for the renal clearance of numerous endogenous metabolites and exogenous compounds, including antibiotics, antivirals, and NSAIDs (NIH: Gene ID 9356). Because it handles a wide range of substrates, it is a primary site for clinically significant drug-drug interactions; for instance, probenecid is often used to inhibit OAT1 to reduce the nephrotoxicity of cidofovir or to increase the plasma concentration of penicillins (StatPearls: Probenecid). Genetic variations in the SLC22A6 gene can significantly impact an individual's drug response and susceptibility to toxin-induced kidney damage. Beyond pharmacology, SLC22A6 is involved in the transport of signaling molecules like prostaglandins and metabolic intermediates like alpha-ketoglutarate, linking it to metabolic homeostasis and conditions like hyperuricemia (Wikipedia: SLC22A6). Overall, SLC22A6 is a critical target for understanding pharmacokinetics and ensuring drug safety in clinical development.

Other names

Organic anion transporter 1OAT1Renal organic anion transporter 1ROAT1PAHTHOAT1

Competitive inhibition of organic anion transport