Solute carrier family 41 member 3 (SLC41A3)

Solute carrier family 41 member 3 (SLC41A3) is a transmembrane protein predominantly localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it acts as a magnesium:sodium antiporter, exporting magnesium ions from mitochondria in a sodium-dependent manner[1][2][5]. SLC41A3 is essential for maintaining intracellular magnesium homeostasis, with highest expression in the central nervous system and kidney distal convoluted tubule[1][3]. It is upregulated in response to dietary magnesium deficiency and has been identified as an oncogenic factor and potential biomarker in liver hepatocellular carcinoma, correlating with advanced disease stage and poor prognosis[2]. Knockout models show that loss of SLC41A3 leads to neurological symptoms such as ataxia, highlighting its importance in nervous system function[1][4]. Despite significant functional evidence, no clinically approved drugs directly target SLC41A3 to date, and its broad cation transport properties suggest a potential for wide-ranging physiological effects[1][2][4].

Other names

SLC41A1-L2FLJ20473SLC41A1-like 2solute carrier family 41 member 3SLC41A3[2][7]

Na+-dependent and temperature-sensitive magnesium efflux from the mitochondrial inner membrane Functions as a magnesium:sodium antiporter facilitating export of Mg2+ in exchange for Na+[1][2][5]