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, res ...
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 b ...
.
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 an ...
compounds into mammalian cells can occur via receptor-mediated (see
folate receptor 1) 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 (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
References
Further reading
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{{Membrane transport proteins
Solute carrier family