Solute carrier family 25 member 6 (SLC25A6) (SLC25A6)

Solute carrier family 25 member 6 (SLC25A6), also known as Adenine nucleotide translocator 3 (ANT3), is a mitochondrial transport protein located in the inner mitochondrial membrane (UniProt P12236). Its primary biological function is the exchange of ADP from the cytosol for ATP generated within the mitochondrial matrix, a process essential for cellular energy homeostasis (GeneCards). Beyond its role in metabolism, SLC25A6 is a key component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) complex, which regulates the release of pro-apoptotic factors and thus plays a critical role in programmed cell death (PubMed 17855512). In the context of disease, SLC25A6 is often overexpressed in various cancers, including multiple myeloma and breast cancer, where it contributes to tumor progression and resistance to therapies like bortezomib by promoting mitophagy (NIH 1.4.2). It has also been implicated in inflammatory processes and mitochondrial disorders, serving as a potential biomarker for disease progression and therapeutic response (MDPI 1.2.4). Therapeutic strategies targeting SLC25A6 include small molecule inhibitors like atractyloside and bongkrekic acid, which lock the transporter in specific conformational states to modulate apoptosis (PubMed 16556444). Emerging research also explores the use of RNA-targeted therapies, such as siRNA or antisense oligonucleotides, to knockdown SLC25A6 mRNA and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy (Frontiers 2.3.5). However, its ubiquitous expression across tissues presents significant challenges for achieving therapeutic selectivity and avoiding systemic mitochondrial toxicity (NIH 1.2.1). Despite these challenges, SLC25A6 remains a high-interest target for its dual role in bioenergetics and cell survival pathways.

Other names

Adenine nucleotide translocator 3ANT3ADP/ATP translocase 3AAC3ANT3YADP/ATP carrier protein 3

Inhibition of mitochondrial ADP/ATP exchange and modulation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) to induce or regulate apoptosis.