Solute carrier family 25 (SLC25) (SLC25)

The Solute carrier family 25 (SLC25), also known as the mitochondrial carrier family, is the largest group of transporters in the inner mitochondrial membrane, comprising 53 members in humans [1][2]. These proteins are essential for cellular metabolism, facilitating the bidirectional transport of solutes like nucleotides, amino acids, and inorganic ions between the mitochondrial matrix and the cytosol [2][3]. By regulating the flux of metabolites for the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, SLC25 members are central to energy production [3][4]. Dysregulation or mutations in these carriers are associated with a variety of genetic metabolic disorders, including citrullinemia and carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency [4][5]. In addition to rare genetic diseases, SLC25 members are implicated in the metabolic reprogramming observed in cancer and neurodegenerative conditions [6]. They are considered emerging therapeutic targets, with research focusing on small molecule inhibitors to disrupt mitochondrial function in tumor cells [6][7]. However, the high structural homology among the 53 family members presents a significant challenge for achieving drug selectivity and avoiding mitochondrial toxicity [3][7]. Pharmacological tools such as bongkrekic acid and carboxyatractyloside are well-known for targeting specific members like the ADP/ATP carrier [1][7].

Other names

Mitochondrial carrier familyMCFSLC25 familyMitochondrial solute carriers

Inhibition or modulation of the transport of specific metabolites across the inner mitochondrial membrane, often by locking the carrier in a specific conformational state (e.g., the 'm-state' or 'c-state') [3][7].