Solute carrier family 23 member 2 (SVCT2) (SVCT2)

Solute carrier family 23 member 2 (SVCT2) is a transmembrane protein that mediates the high-affinity, sodium-dependent uptake of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) into various tissues (UniProt: Q9P2E7). Unlike its isoform SVCT1, which is localized to epithelial cells for systemic absorption, SVCT2 is ubiquitously expressed with high levels in the brain, eyes, and placenta, ensuring cellular ascorbate supply for critical metabolic processes (PubMed: 23201319). It serves as a vital cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen hydroxylation, catecholamine biosynthesis, and peptide amidation, while also acting as a primary intracellular antioxidant (PubMed: 11553045). In oncology, SVCT2 is frequently overexpressed in certain cancer types, such as breast and colon cancer, which has led to its investigation as a gateway for high-dose vitamin C therapy to induce selective pro-oxidant damage in malignant cells (PubMed: 30305574). Furthermore, its role in maintaining redox balance in the central nervous system makes it a point of interest in neurodegenerative disease research, particularly Alzheimer's disease (PubMed: 25601030). Therapeutic strategies involving SVCT2 often focus on utilizing it for targeted drug delivery via ascorbate-conjugation or modulating its activity to influence cellular oxidative stress levels.

Other names

SLC23A2Sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2YSPL2hSVCT2SVCT-2

SVCT2 functions as a high-affinity, sodium-dependent symporter that moves L-ascorbic acid into cells against a concentration gradient, maintaining high intracellular levels necessary for enzymatic reactions and antioxidant protection (PubMed: 11553045).