Introduction of SLC51A
SLC51A (OSTα) encoded by SLC51A gene, also known as OSTα, is a predicted 340-amino acid, 7-transmembrane (TM) domain protein. It combines with SLC51B (OSTβ) and forms a functional heterodimeric transporter, designated as OSTα-OSTβ. The organic solute transporter OSTα-OSTβ is expressed at the basolateral membrane of epithelium in intestine, kidney, liver, testis, and adrenal gland and involved in the mediation of bile acids efflux.
Basic Information of SLC51A | |
Protein Name | Organic solute transporter subunit alpha |
Gene Name | SLC51A |
Aliases | OSTA, OSTalpha |
Organism | Homo sapiens (Human) |
UniProt ID | Q86UW1 |
Transmembrane Times | 1 |
Length (aa) | 128 |
Sequence | MEHSEGAPGDPAGTVVPQELLEEMLWFFRVEDASPWNHSILALAAVVVIISMVLLGRSIQASRKEKMQPPEKETPEVLHLDEAKDHNSLNNLRETLLSEKPNLAQVELELKERDVLSVFLPDVPETES |
Function of SLC51A Membrane Protein
SLC51A (OSTalpha) is an essential component of the Ost-alpha/Ost-beta heterodimer complex that functions as the intestinal basolateral transporter mediating bile acid export from enterocytes into portal blood. And it is essential for intestinal bile acid absorption, and thus for dietary lipid absorption. Besides, OSTα-OSTβ plays a central role in the transport of conjugated steroids and structurally-related molecules across the basolateral membrane of many epithelial cells. Moreover, the mechanism of OSTα-OSTβ transporter is a facilitated diffusion and transporter can mediate either efflux or uptake depending on the electrochemical gradient of its substrates. Studies have indicated that OSTα/β is an important transporter in liver disease, implying a role for this transporter in bile acid-bile acid and drug-bile acid interactions, as well as cholestatic drug-induced liver injury. The elevated expression of OSTα/β is observed in the liver of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis.
Fig.1 Transcriptional regulation of transporters participating in the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. (Ballatori, 2013)
Application of SLC51A Membrane Protein in Literature
The article demonstrates that SLC51A expression is significantly increased in human masticatory mucosa during wound healing.
The study reveals that human OSTalpha is a glycoprotein that requires interaction with OSTbeta to reach the plasma membrane. However, glycosylation of OSTalpha is not required for interaction with the beta subunit or for membrane localization or function of the heteromeric transporter.
The experimental data suggest that the mRNA expression of OSTalpha-OSTbeta is significantly decreased in normal-weight but not overweight gallstone carriers.
In this study, authors demonstrate the association of OST-alpha and OST-beta to determine trafficking to plasma membrane and activity.
The article indicates that the expression of Ostalpha and Ostbeta are significantly upregulated in response to cholestasis and that this response depends on the FXR bile acid receptor.
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Reference
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