Solute carrier family 28 member 2 (hCNT2)

Solute carrier family 28 member 2 (hCNT2) is a sodium-coupled symporter that primarily transports purine nucleosides, such as adenosine, guanosine, and inosine, as well as uridine across the plasma membrane [1, 4]. It is predominantly expressed in the liver, intestine, kidney, and brain, where it plays a vital role in the salvage of nucleosides for cellular metabolism and the regulation of extracellular adenosine levels [1, 2, 12]. In oncology, hCNT2 is a critical mediator for the cellular uptake of purine-based antineoplastic agents like cladribine and fludarabine, and its expression levels are linked to treatment outcomes in cancers such as rectal cancer [6, 11]. Beyond cancer, hCNT2 is involved in the pharmacokinetics of antiviral drugs like ribavirin and has been implicated in metabolic conditions such as hyperuricemia and gout [2, 9, 13]. Genetic polymorphisms in the SLC28A2 gene can significantly influence drug bioavailability and toxicity, making it a key focus for pharmacogenomic studies [2, 5, 7]. Recent research also suggests its potential as a direct therapeutic target for managing uric acid levels and overcoming drug resistance in certain malignancies [6, 9]. The transporter operates with a 1:1 sodium-to-nucleoside stoichiometry, utilizing the electrochemical gradient of sodium to drive nucleoside entry into cells [1, 11]. Its role in adenosine signaling also links it to inflammatory processes and energy homeostasis [2, 12].

Other names

Concentrative nucleoside transporter 2Human concentrative nucleoside transporter 2Sodium/nucleoside cotransporter 2Na(+)/nucleoside cotransporter 2Sodium-coupled nucleoside transporter 2Sodium/purine nucleoside co-transporter 1SPNT1SPNTCNT2

Sodium-coupled symport of purine nucleosides and uridine into the cell with a 1:1 stoichiometry [1, 4, 11].