Solute carrier family 26 member 3 (SLC26A3)

Solute carrier family 26 member 3 (SLC26A3, Protein DRA) is a membrane-bound glycoprotein essential for the absorption and exchange of chloride and bicarbonate ions at the apical membrane of the intestinal epithelium. It plays a central role in maintaining electrolyte and fluid balance in the colon, facilitates oxalate transport, and interacts functionally with the CFTR protein. Loss-of-function mutations cause congenital chloride diarrhea, while SLC26A3 inhibition is being investigated as a strategy for treating constipation, kidney stones, and other gut disorders. SLC26A3 is considered a potential therapeutic target and biomarker, with several small molecules developed to selectively inhibit its activity from either the extracellular or cytoplasmic surface, offering new routes for the modulation of gut epithelial ion transport.

Other names

Chloride anion exchangerDown-regulated in adenomaProtein DRADRACLDSLC26A3solute carrier family 26 member 3

Direct inhibition of SLC26A3-mediated chloride and oxalate absorption (extracellular and cytoplasmic inhibition by small molecules)