Solute carrier family 26 member 6 (SLC26A6)

Solute carrier family 26 member 6 (SLC26A6), also known as Putative anion transporter 1 (PAT1), is a multifunctional anion exchanger primarily expressed on the apical membranes of epithelial cells in the kidney, intestine, and pancreas [1, 6, 15]. It plays a critical role in maintaining ion homeostasis and acid-base balance by mediating the exchange of various anions, most notably chloride, bicarbonate, and oxalate [1, 5, 10]. In the intestine, SLC26A6 is a major pathway for oxalate secretion, and its dysfunction or deficiency is strongly linked to hyperoxaluria and the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones [1, 5, 9]. Beyond its role in mineral metabolism, it is involved in fluid absorption in the gut and bicarbonate secretion in the pancreas, often working in coordination with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) [1, 5, 12]. Recent research has also identified SLC26A6 as a potential oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma and a target for treating intestinal hyposecretory disorders like those seen in cystic fibrosis [4, 12]. Pharmacological modulation of SLC26A6, particularly through novel selective inhibitors like PAT1inh-B01, offers therapeutic potential for managing conditions ranging from constipation to metabolic stone diseases, though safety concerns regarding systemic oxalate balance must be carefully managed [5, 12].

Other names

Putative anion transporter 1PAT1Chloride/formate exchangerCFEXPendrin-like protein 1Pendrin-L1Sulfate anion transporterAnion exchange transporter

Inhibition of anion exchange and blockade of intestinal fluid absorption.