The SLC16 gene family - structure, role and regulation in health and disease.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review describing gene family structure, physiology, and pharmacological potential without original human trial data.
PubMed 23506875 · doi:10.1016/j.mam.2012.05.003
What was done
This narrative review summarizes the structural characteristics, transport functions, regulatory mechanisms, and physiological roles of the 14-member SLC16 gene family in health and disease based on existing literature.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative experimental numbers. Four members (SLC16A1/MCT1, SLC16A3/MCT4, SLC16A7/MCT2, and SLC16A8/MCT3) catalyze proton-linked transport of L-lactate, pyruvate, and ketone bodies; SLC16A2 (MCT8) transports thyroid hormone; SLC16A10 (TAT1) transports aromatic amino acids; and substrates for the remaining eight members are unknown. All members share a predicted 12-transmembrane helix topology. Correct plasma membrane expression of MCT1-4 requires association with chaperone glycoproteins basigin or embigin, whereas MCT8 does not. Specific MCT1 inhibitors exhibit immunosuppressive action by preventing T-lymphocyte proliferation.
Why it matters
This review synthesizes the biology of monocarboxylate and nutrient transporters across human tissues, highlighting specific MCT isoforms as potential drug targets for immunosuppression and cancer chemotherapy.
Limits
As a narrative review, the paper provides no original clinical data, pooled meta-analytic effect estimates, or sample sizes. Eight of the 14 family members lack identified substrates and characterized physiological roles.
Cited by
- supports Ketones and lactate are transported across cell membranes via monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs).