SLC14A1
Description
The SLC14A1 (solute carrier family 14 member 1 (Kidd blood group)) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 18.
SLC14A1 is a gene that encodes for a protein called urea transporter 1 (UTB), which is expressed in erythrocytes and the kidney. UTB proteins are responsible for the transport of urea and constitute the Kidd antigen system.
SLC14A1 mediates the transport of urea across the cell membrane of erythrocytes, driven by a concentration gradient. This transport is critical for maintaining the concentration of urea in the blood. SLC14A1 also facilitates water transport in erythrocytes. Furthermore, it mediates urea transport across the cell membrane of the renal inner medullary collecting duct, which is crucial for the urinary concentrating mechanism. This protein is a homotrimer, with each subunit containing a pore through which urea permeates. It has been identified in a complex with STOM.
SLC14A1 is also known as HUT11, HUT11A, HsT1341, JK, Jk(a), Jk(b), RACH1, RACH2, UT-B1, UT1, UTE.
