Solute carrier family 45 member 4 (SLC45A4)

Solute carrier family 45 member 4 (SLC45A4) is a proton-dependent membrane transporter that facilitates the uptake of mono- and disaccharides (notably sucrose, glucose, and fructose) across cellular membranes[1][5][6]. It belongs to the major facilitator superfamily and operates as a sugar/H⁺ symporter, meaning it utilizes proton gradients to co-transport sugars into cells[1][4][5]. SLC45A4 is expressed in various human tissues and is upregulated in certain cancers, where its activity is linked to increased glucose uptake, glycolytic metabolism, and enhanced tumor cell proliferation and metastasis[2][3]. Knockdown of SLC45A4 impairs glucose uptake and inhibits key glycolytic enzymes (HK2, PKM2), reducing malignant behavior in cancer cells[2]. Its expression is associated with poor relapse-free survival in ovarian cancer patients and may present a promising therapeutic target, especially where cancer cell metabolism is a factor[2][3]. SLC45A4 also plays specialized roles in spermatozoa sugar transport and may be involved in some cell death mechanisms[5].

Other names

SLC45A4KIAA1126Solute carrier family 45 member 4