SLCO4A1 Membrane Protein Introduction

Introduction of SLCO4A1

The solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 4A1 (SLCO4A1), also known as OATP4A1, is a multiple transmembrane protein encoded by the SLCO4A1 gene. SLCO4A1 is one of the organic anion-transporting polypeptides (referred to as ‘OATPs’ in humans and as ‘Oatps’ in other species) which belong to the solute carrier class (SLC) superfamily as members of the solute carrier organic anion transporter family (SLCO). They are widely expressed in many human tissues and are responsible for the Na⁺-independent uptake of large amphiphilic organic anions to cells. They transport a variety of endogenous and xenobiotics, including hormones and their combinations, as well as a variety of drugs, such as several anticancer drugs.

The Function of SLCO4A1 Membrane Protein

Transport proteins are essential for the absorption, distribution, and excretion of drugs and other endogenous and xenobiotics that cannot be freely transported through the cell membrane. SLCO4A1 is a multispecific transporter that can transport a variety of structurally unrelated compounds. SLCO4A1 is involved in the transport of various compounds, including sugars, bile salts, organic acids, metal ions, amine compounds, and estrogens. The expression of SLCO may or may not be tissue-specific and SLCO is expressed throughout the body. In normal tissues, SLCO4A1 is widely expressed, with the highest levels of mRNA expression in the heart and placenta, followed by lung, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney and pancreas. In addition, SLCO4A1 is highly expressed in several cancers, such as colorectal cancer. It plays an important role in colorectal cancer cell proliferation and carcinogenesis. SLCO4A1 expression may be an effective prognostic marker, indicative of tumor growth and metastasis.

Fig.1 SLC drug transporter membrane topology. The blue cylinder represents the predicted transmembrane structure. Yellow, green or red circles represent N-glycosylation and phosphorylation sites and important cysteine residues, respectively. (Walsh, 2015)

Application of SLCO4A1 Membrane Protein Literature

1. Ban M.J., et al. Solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 4A1 (SLCO4A1) as a prognosis marker of colorectal cancer. Journal of Cancer Research & Clinical Oncology. 2017, 143(8): 1437-1447. PubMed ID: 28378090
   
   

   This article shows that SLCO4A1 may be an important marker of poor prognosis in colorectal cancer and plays an important role in the proliferation, migration, invasion, and carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer cells.

2. Fujiwara R., et al. Expression of human solute carrier family transporters in skin: possible contributor to drug-induced skin disorders. Sci Rep. 2014, 4: 5251. PubMed ID: 24918694
   
   

   This study identifies the expression pattern of 28 human SLC transporters in human skin, with most SLC transporter family members being highly or moderately expressed in the liver and confined to the skin and small intestine.

3. Dolberg A.M. and Reichl S. Expression analysis of human solute carrier (SLC) family transporters in nasal mucosa and RPMI 2650 cell. Journal of pharmaceutical sciences. 2018, 21. PubMed ID: 30041030
   
   

   This study confirms and evaluates the expression of six different SLC transporters in different cultured RPMI 2650 cells as well as human nasal mucosa specimens.

4. Nigam S.K., et al. The Organic Anion Transporter (OAT) Family: A Systems Biology Perspective. Physiological Reviews. 2015, 95(1): 83-123. PubMed ID: 25540139
   
   

   This review reports that organic anion transporter may function in long-distance inter-tissue communication by regulating levels of signaling molecules and key metabolites in tissues and body fluids.

5. Li Z., et al. Interaction of the bioactive flavonol, icariin, with the essential human solute carrier transporters. Journal of Biochemical & Molecular Toxicology. 2014, 28(2): 91-7. PubMed ID: 24265111
   
   

   This study reveals for the first time the interaction between icariin and a series of basic SLCs and the results suggest that icariin may compete with specific SLC drugs, which may affect the efficacy of icariin treatment.

SLCO4A1 Preparation Options

Membrane protein research has made significant progress over the past few years. Based on our versatile Magic™ membrane protein production platform, we could offer a range of membrane protein preparation services for worldwide customers in reconstitution forms and multiple active formats. Aided by our versatile Magic™ anti-membrane protein antibody discovery platform, we also provide customized anti-SLCO4A1 antibody development services.

• Magic™ Membrane Protein Production Platform
• Magic™ Anti-Membrane Protein Antibody Discovery Platform

In the past years, Creative Biolabs has successfully produced many functional membrane proteins for our global customers. We hope to realize our customers' plans as soon as possible through our one-stop customized service. If you would like more product information, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

1. Walsh D R, et al. (2015). Drug Transporters and Na⁺/H⁺ Exchange Regulatory Factor PSD-95/Drosophila Discs Large/ZO-1 Proteins. Pharmacological Reviews. 67(3): 656-680.

All listed services and products are For Research Use Only. Do Not use in any diagnostic or therapeutic applications.