Solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 4A1 (SLCO4A1)

Solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 4A1 (SLCO4A1, also known as OATP4A1) is a 12-transmembrane domain protein and a member of the organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) family within the solute carrier (SLC) superfamily[1][2]. Predominantly localized to the plasma membrane, it is expressed in a variety of normal tissues (highest in heart and placenta, and notable in liver, kidney, lung, and others), as well as in tumors such as colorectal and ovarian cancers[2][3][4]. SLCO4A1 mediates sodium-independent cellular uptake of a broad spectrum of amphiphilic organic anions, including endogenous hormones (such as thyroid hormones, estrogens), prostaglandins (notably PGE2), bile acids, and various drugs and xenobiotic compounds[1][2][3]. Increased SLCO4A1 expression is linked to pro-inflammatory signaling and cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and poor clinical prognosis in colorectal cancer[3][4]. Its activity may influence drug response and efficacy through the uptake of specific chemotherapeutic agents, and variability in its expression or genetic polymorphisms could affect disease progression and patient outcomes[4][5].

Other names

OATP4A1OATP-EOATPEOATP-RP1OATPRP1POATSLC21A12Colon organic anion transporterOrganic anion transporter polypeptide-related protein 1Organic anion-transporting polypeptide ESodium-independent organic anion transporter E

Facilitates sodium-independent uptake of a wide range of endogenous and exogenous organic anions into target cells, including hormones, metabolites, and drugs Modulates local availability of signaling molecules (e.g., prostaglandins, steroid hormones) by uptake and subsequent intracellular degradation or reutilization, potentially altering inflammatory and cancer-related signaling