Understanding SLC13A4: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker (G26266)

Target Name: SLC13A4

NCBI ID: G26266

Understanding SLC13A4: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker

SLC13A4 (S13A4_HUMAN) is a protein that is expressed in various tissues of the human body, including the brain, heart, and kidneys. It is a member of the SLC gene family, which encodes for a family of transport proteins that play an important role in the transport of various molecules across cell membranes.

One of the unique aspects of SLC13A4 is its expression pattern. It is primarily expressed in the brain, where it is found in high concentrations. It is also expressed in other tissues, including the heart and kidneys, but at much lower levels. This suggests that SLC13A4 may be involved in the transport of molecules across the blood-brain barrier, which is a specialized barrier that separates the brain from the rest of the body.

SLC13A4 has also been shown to play a role in several diseases, including hypertension, heart failure, and neurodegenerative disorders. For example, studies have shown that high levels of SLC13A4 are associated with an increased risk of hypertension, both in humans and in animal models. Additionally, SLC13A4 has been shown to be involved in the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Despite these promising findings, much more research is needed to fully understand the role of SLC13A4 in the human body. One potential way to study its function is to target it with drugs that can modulate its expression or activity. This could provide valuable insights into its underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.

Another approach to studying SLC13A4 is to use it as a biomarker for certain diseases. For example, SLC13A4 has been shown to be involved in the regulation of blood pressure, which is a critical factor in the development and progression of hypertension. By measuring the levels of SLC13A4 in blood samples from individuals with hypertension, researchers can study its role in this disease and develop potential new treatments.

In addition to its potential therapeutic applications, SLC13A4 also has the potential to serve as a drug target. Its unique expression pattern in the brain makes it an attractive target for small molecules that can modulate its activity. This could lead to the development of new treatments for a variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and hypertension.

Overall, SLC13A4 is a protein that has significant potential as a drug target or biomarker. Further research is needed to fully understand its role in the human body and develop new treatments based on its unique properties.

Protein Name: Solute Carrier Family 13 Member 4

Functions: Sodium:sulfate symporter that mediates sulfate reabsorption in the high endothelial venules (HEV)

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