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Updated: May 27, 2026
08:55
Expression, Solubilization, and Purification of Eukaryotic Borate Transporters
Published on: March 7, 2019
Research progress in the organic cation transporters
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore MD 21201,USA. yshu@rx.umaryland.edu
Summary
Organic cation transporters (OCTs) are crucial for eliminating harmful compounds from the body. Research has advanced understanding of OCTs in the kidney, liver, and intestine, impacting drug disposition.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Organic cation transport systems are vital for renal elimination of endogenous and exogenous compounds.
- These systems facilitate the excretion of polar organic cations via active tubular secretion.
- Organic cation transporters (OCTs) have been identified in various tissues beyond the kidney, including the liver and intestine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular cloning and characterization of organic cation transporters (OCTs).
- To describe the transport mechanisms, tissue distribution, localization, and substrate specificity of OCTs.
- To summarize regulatory mechanisms, genetic animal models, and human genetic variations in OCT genes.
Main Methods:
- In vivo models
- Ex vivo organ perfusions
- In vitro tissue preparations and cell lines
- Molecular cloning and characterization of OCTs
Main Results:
- Molecular cloning has significantly advanced the understanding of OCTs.
- OCTs play a critical role in drug absorption and disposition.
- Regulatory mechanisms and genetic animal models provide key insights into OCT function.
Conclusions:
- OCTs are essential for the transport and elimination of organic cations.
- Understanding OCTs is crucial for predicting drug efficacy and toxicity.
- Genetic variations in human OCT genes have clinical implications for personalized medicine.
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