Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

Expression, Solubilization, and Purification of Eukaryotic Borate Transporters
Published on: March 7, 2019
Organic cation transporter novel 1 (OCTN1): beyond an ergothioneine transporter
Yumeng Guo1,2, Kaijian Zhou3, Jianguo Zhang4
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, China.
Abstract:
In this review we comprehensively discuss organic cation transporter novel 1 (OCTN1), encoded by the SLC22A4 gene as a member in the solute carrier 22 (SLC22) family, which facilitates the cellular transport of diverse cationic and zwitterionic substrates. OCTN1 is highly expressed in many vital organs in humans, where it facilitates absorption and distribution of both endogenous compounds and therapeutic drugs. Among its substrates, ergothioneine (EGT) serves as the important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule, underscoring the essential role of OCTN1 in cellular defense and inflammation control. Genetic polymorphisms in SLC22A4 significantly alter OCTN1 expression, substrate affinity, and drug pharmacokinetics, with strong associations to susceptibility and treatment outcomes in human diseases. Insights from knockout models revealed that OCTN1 deficiency leads to reduced EGT availability, heightened oxidative stress, and aggravated inflammation, particularly in the tissues such as intestine, liver, and lung. Moreover, OCTN1 activity is dynamically regulated by epigenetic modifications, cytokines, and hormones, linking it to immune modulation and disease progression. Put together, OCTN1 plays a defined role via high-affinity EGT transport, while its broader transport capacity and pharmacological relevance remain under investigation, with possible - though not yet established - implications for inflammation-associated biomarker development.
Related Concept Videos
Carrier-Mediated Transport
Active transport involves two types of membrane-spanning transporters: uptake and efflux. Uptake transporters are expressed in the small...
The Significance of Membrane Transport
Transporters facilitate either an active or passive movement of solutes. They can allow a single-molecule transport down its...
ABC Transporters: Exporter
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Transporters: P-Glycoprotein and Solute Carrier Transporters
Secondary Active Transport
Secondary Active Transport

