Role of the Sodium-Dependent Organic Anion Transporter (SOAT/SLC10A6) in Physiology and Pathophysiology

The sodium-dependent organic anion transporter (SOAT, gene symbol SLC10A6) specifically transports 3'- and 17'-monosulfated steroid hormones, such as estrone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, into specific target cells. These biologically inactive sulfo-conjugated steroids occur in high concentrations in the blood circulation and serve as precursors for the intracrine formation of active estrogens and androgens that contribute to the overall regulation of steroids in many peripheral tissues. Although SOAT expression has been detected in several hormone-responsive peripheral tissues, its quantitative contribution to steroid sulfate uptake in different organs is still not completely clear. Given this fact, the present review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge about the SOAT by summarizing all experimental findings obtained since its first cloning in 2004 and by processing SOAT/SLC10A6-related data from genome-wide protein and mRNA expression databases. In conclusion, despite a significantly increased understanding of the function and physiological significance of the SOAT over the past 20 years, further studies are needed to finally establish it as a potential drug target for endocrine-based therapy of steroid-responsive diseases such as hormone-dependent breast cancer.