SLC16A8
Description
The SLC16A8 (solute carrier family 16 member 8) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 22.
Monocarboxylate transporter 3 (MCT3), also known as solute carrier family 16 member 8, is a protein encoded by the SLC16A8 gene in humans. MCTs are proton-coupled monocarboxylate transporters that catalyze the rapid transport across the plasma membrane of various monocarboxylates, including lactate, pyruvate, branched-chain oxo acids derived from leucine, valine, and isoleucine, as well as ketone bodies like acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetate. It also acts as a high-affinity pyruvate transporter. Expression of SLC16A8 is restricted to the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid plexus epithelia, where it is located on the basal membrane, in contrast to MCT1 which is found on the apical membrane.
SLC16A8 is likely a proton-coupled lactate transporter specific to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). It is thought to facilitate the transport of lactate and protons out of the retina, contributing to the maintenance of pH and ion balance in the outer retina.
SLC16A8 is also known as MCT3, REMP.
