Solute carrier family 4 bicarbonate transporter (SLC4)

The solute carrier family 4 (SLC4) bicarbonate transporters are a well-characterized group of membrane proteins, encoded by ten genes in humans (SLC4A1-5, SLC4A7-11). They mediate anion exchange, principally of chloride and bicarbonate, but also transport carbonate, sodium, and boron ions. The family includes anion exchangers (AE1–AE4), sodium-coupled bicarbonate cotransporters (NBCe1, NBCe2, NBCn1, NBCn2), a sodium-driven chloride/bicarbonate exchanger (NDCBE), and a borate transporter (BTR1). These transporters are fundamental for maintaining acid-base balance, facilitating CO₂ transport, regulating cell volume, and modulating neuronal excitability in diverse tissues. Dysfunction of SLC4 proteins is linked to an array of disorders, including renal tubular acidosis, hemolytic anemia, neurological diseases, and others. Most members are sensitive to inhibition by DIDS and are indispensable for solute movement in epithelial tissues such as kidney, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract.

Other names

Bicarbonate transporteranion exchanger (AE1, AE2, AE3, AE4)sodium bicarbonate cotransporter (NBCe1, NBCe2, NBCn1, NBCn2)sodium-driven chloride bicarbonate exchanger (NDCBE)borate transporter (BTR1)

Inhibition of anion exchange or sodium-coupled bicarbonate transport Modulation of intracellular/extracellular pH by targeting these channels Altering epithelial ion and acid-base balance