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Updated: May 13, 2026

A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
The sodium-dependent ascorbic acid transporter family SLC23.
Marc Bürzle1, Yoshiro Suzuki, Daniel Ackermann
1Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Vitamin C transporters, including sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCT1 and SVCT2), are vital for maintaining vitamin C levels in humans. Research explores their roles in absorption, distribution, and protection against oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Human Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and its oxidized form dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) require specific transporters for physiological maintenance.
- The human SLC23 gene family includes SVCT1, SVCT2, and the orphan transporter SVCT3, all related to the nucleobase-ascorbate transporter (NAT) family.
- Humans cannot synthesize vitamin C, making dietary uptake via transporters essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the roles and characteristics of human vitamin C transporters.
- To understand the tissue-specific expression and functions of SVCT1 and SVCT2.
- To investigate the potential function of the orphan transporter SVCT3.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene expression patterns for SLC23 family members.
- Functional characterization of transporter activity (though not explicitly detailed in the abstract, implied by the discussion of roles).
- Phylogenetic analysis to understand evolutionary relationships.
Main Results:
- SVCT1, encoded by SLC23A1, is crucial for intestinal absorption and maintaining whole-body vitamin C levels.
- SVCT2 (SLC23A2) is widely expressed, supplying vitamin C to high-demand tissues and protecting against oxidative stress.
- SVCT3 (SLC23A3) function remains uncharacterized, with speculation about nucleobase transport.
Conclusions:
- SVCT1 and SVCT2 play distinct but vital roles in human vitamin C homeostasis.
- SVCT1 is critical for dietary vitamin C uptake, while SVCT2 ensures tissue-specific supply and protection.
- The precise function of SVCT3 requires further investigation.
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