Solute carrier family 22 member 8 (OAT3)

Solute carrier family 22 member 8 (OAT3) is an organic anion transporter protein encoded by the human SLC22A8 gene. OAT3 is a membrane protein predominantly localized to the basolateral membrane of renal proximal tubule cells. It mediates the uptake and excretion of a broad range of endogenous metabolites and xenobiotic organic anions—including numerous drugs such as penicillin G, methotrexate, indomethacin, and ciprofloxacin—by functioning as an antiporter that exchanges incoming organic anions for intracellular dicarboxylates like α-ketoglutarate. OAT3 activity plays a crucial role in renal drug elimination and the clearance of potentially toxic metabolites. Genetic variants of OAT3 can influence the transporter’s substrate specificity and activity, contributing to interindividual differences in drug pharmacokinetics and risk of drug toxicity. OAT3 also participates in the transport of plant-derived metabolites and uremic toxins and is implicated in the pathogenesis of certain renal diseases such as Balkan nephropathy.

Other names

Organic anion transporter 3SLC22A8OAT-3

Drugs are eliminated primarily via active transport (anion exchange with dicarboxylates, e.g. α-ketoglutarate) across renal proximal tubule cells, mediated by antiport exchange