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Organic Cation Transporters in the Lung-Current and Emerging (Patho)Physiological and Pharmacological Concepts

Mohammed Ali Selo1,2, Johannes A Sake1, Carsten Ehrhardt1

  • 1School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Organic cation transporters (OCT/Ns) facilitate the movement of essential compounds and drugs within the body. This review explores their crucial roles in lung physiology and disease, highlighting them as potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Organic cation transporters (OCT/Ns) from the solute carrier 22 (SLC22) family mediate the transport of endogenous substances like neurotransmitters and ergothioneine.
  • These transporters also handle xenobiotics, including drugs used for respiratory conditions, across biological barriers.
  • OCT/Ns are implicated in chronic lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, suggesting their potential as novel drug targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the physiological and pharmacological functions of organic cation transporters in the lung.
  • To discuss the role of OCT/Ns in the context of respiratory disorders and potential therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent research in the field of organic cation transporters.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the role of OCT/Ns in lung (patho)physiology and pharmacology.

Main Results:

  • Organic cation transporters (OCT/Ns) are vital for transporting endogenous compounds and xenobiotics in the lung.
  • These transporters are involved in the mechanism of action for certain respiratory drugs.
  • Dysfunction of OCT/Ns is associated with the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD.

Conclusions:

  • Organic cation transporters (OCT/Ns) play significant roles in lung function and disease.
  • Targeting OCT/Ns presents a promising avenue for developing new therapies for respiratory disorders.
Keywords:
SLC22A1–5anticholinergicschronic lung diseasesdrug uptakelung epitheliumpulmonary drug deliveryβ2-agonists

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