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 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 of sodium ions and
ergothioneine, which is an
antioxidant
Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals. This can lead to polymerization and other chain reactions. They are frequently added to industrial products, such as fuels and lubricants ...
, into cells.
Thus, a more appropriate functional designation is ETT ("ergothioneine transporter").
Interactions
SLC22A4 has been shown to
interact with
PDZK1.
See also
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Solute carrier family
References
Further reading
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Solute carrier family
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