Folate transporter 1 is a
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, respo ...
which in humans is encoded by the ''SLC19A1''
gene
In biology, the word gene (from , ; "...Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a ba ...
.
Function
Transport of
folate
Folate, also known as vitamin B9 and folacin, is one of the B vitamins. Manufactured folic acid, which is converted into folate by the body, is used as a dietary supplement and in food fortification as it is more stable during processing and ...
compounds into mammalian cells can occur via receptor-mediated (see
folate receptor 1
Folate receptor 1 (Folate receptor alpha, FOLR1) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''FOLR1'' gene.
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the folate receptor (FOLR) family. Members of this family have a high affinity for folic ...
) or carrier-mediated mechanisms. A functional coordination between these 2 mechanisms has been proposed to be the method of folate uptake in certain cell types.
Methotrexate
Methotrexate (MTX), formerly known as amethopterin, is a chemotherapy agent and immune-system suppressant. It is used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, and ectopic pregnancies. Types of cancers it is used for include breast cancer, leuke ...
(MTX) is an antifolate chemotherapeutic agent that is actively transported by the carrier-mediated uptake system. RFC1 plays a role in maintaining intracellular concentrations of folate.
SLC19A1 has also been shown to transport the immune second messenger
2'3'-cGAMP.
Clinical significance
Individuals carrying a specific
polymorphism of SLC19A1 (c.80GG) have lower levels of folate.
[
*] Other studies have also shown that individuals carrying the c.80AA polymorphism who are treated with methotrexate have higher levels of this anti-folate chemotherapeutic agent. Personalized dosing of the drug depending on the patient's genotype may therefore be required.
Alternative names
* Reduced folate carrier 1
* Intestinal folate carrier 1
See also
*
Solute carrier family
*
Folate-binding protein
Folate-binding protein (FBP) are proteins that bind folate, typically the folate receptors and reduced folate carrier.
FBP can be a marker for ovarian cancer.
FBP can be measured to help in tumour classification to aid treatment, as it is over- ...
*
Reduced folate carrier family
The Reduced Folate Carrier (RFC) FamilyTC# 2.A.48 is a group of transport proteins that is part of the major facilitator superfamily. RFCs take up folate, reduced folate, derivatives of reduced folate and the drug, methotrexate.
Structure and Ho ...
References
Further reading
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{{Membrane transport proteins
Solute carrier family