Sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 1 (SVCT1) (SVCT1)

Sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 1 (SVCT1), encoded by the SLC23A1 gene, is a high-capacity, low-affinity transporter primarily responsible for the intestinal absorption and renal reabsorption of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) [UniProt: Q9UHI7, PubMed: 10556483]. It belongs to the solute carrier family 23 (SLC23) and functions as a symporter, moving two sodium ions for every one ascorbate molecule down an electrochemical gradient [PubMed: 10556521, 36749388]. SVCT1 is predominantly expressed in epithelial tissues, including the small intestine, kidney proximal tubules, liver, and lungs, where it maintains systemic vitamin C homeostasis [PubMed: 10631088, 23506882]. Genetic polymorphisms in SLC23A1 are associated with variations in plasma vitamin C levels and may influence the risk of diseases such as scurvy, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain cancers [PubMed: 22116701, 23506882]. While not a primary target for many clinical drugs, SVCT1 is being explored as a vehicle for targeted drug delivery through the use of ascorbic acid-drug conjugates to improve bioavailability [PubMed: 18417304, 29260899]. Additionally, certain dietary flavonoids like quercetin have been shown to inhibit SVCT1 activity, potentially affecting vitamin C uptake [PubMed: 11834743].

Other names

SLC23A1Solute carrier family 23 member 1Na(+)/L-ascorbic acid transporter 1hSVCT1YSPL3Sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter-1

Sodium-coupled active transport (2:1 stoichiometry), competitive inhibition, targeted drug delivery via substrate conjugation