Solute carrier family 22, member 4, also known as SLC22A4, is a human
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 ...
; the encoded protein is known as the
ergothioneine
Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid and is a thiourea derivative of histidine, containing a sulfur atom on the imidazole ring. This compound occurs in relatively few organisms, notably actinomycetota, cyanobacteria, and certain fung ...
transporter.
Function
The encoded protein is an integral protein of the plasma membrane containing 12 transmembrane segments. The first functional designation of this protein was OCTN1 ("organic cation transporter, novel, type 1"), but efficiency of transport for organic cations (e.g.,
tetraethylammonium
Tetraethylammonium (TEA), () or (Et4N+) is a quaternary ammonium cation consisting of four ethyl groups attached to a central nitrogen atom, and is positively charged. It is a counterion used in the research laboratory to prepare lipophilic salts ...
) is very low. The transport efficiency for carnitine is also negligible. Instead, the protein is responsible for the
cotransport
In Cellular Biology, cellular biology, ''active transport'' is the movement of molecules or ions across a cell membrane Second law of thermodynamics, from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration—against the concentra ...
of sodium ions and
ergothioneine
Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid and is a thiourea derivative of histidine, containing a sulfur atom on the imidazole ring. This compound occurs in relatively few organisms, notably actinomycetota, cyanobacteria, and certain fung ...
, which is an
antioxidant, into cells.
Thus, a more appropriate functional designation is ETT ("ergothioneine transporter").
Interactions
SLC22A4 has been shown to
interact
Advocates for Informed Choice, dba interACT or interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization using innovative strategies to advocate for the legal and human rights of children with intersex traits. The organizati ...
with
PDZK1
Na(+)/H(+) exchange regulatory cofactor NHE-RF3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''PDZK1'' gene.
Interactions
PDZK1 has been shown to interact with:
* AKAP10,
* CLCN3,
* Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
* FARP ...
.
See also
*
Solute carrier family
References
Further reading
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Solute carrier family
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