Anti-SLC14A1/UTE antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

SLC14A1 also known as UTE is a protein that functions as a urea transporter. It facilitates the movement of urea across cell membranes specifically in the kidney and erythrocytes. It has a molecular weight of approximately 50 kDa. The expression of SLC14A1 is notable in the renal medulla and red blood cells where it plays a role in maintaining the body's urea balance. This transporter contributes to urine concentration and detoxification processes by efficiently regulating urea levels within different tissues and body fluids.

Biological function summary

The function of SLC14A1 in transporting urea is important for nitrogen waste removal. It operates within renal epithelial cells to assist with the reabsorption of urea from urine back into the bloodstream contributing to water conservation and nitrogen excretion. SLC14A1 is not known to be part of a larger protein complex but interacts with other renal transporters to enhance its role in concentrating urine. This transport activity helps in creating the osmotic gradient necessary for the kidney's urine concentrating mechanism.

Pathways

SLC14A1 integrates into the renal system's water and urea reabsorption processes. It is pivotal in the urea cycle and the renal concentrating mechanism pathways. Its functionality is closely linked with aquaporin channels which are responsible for water reabsorption in the kidney. These pathways coordinate to regulate body fluid and electrolyte balance establishing a direct relationship between SLC14A1 and aquaporins to optimize urea transport and water reabsorption throughout the physiological system.

Associated diseases and disorders

SLC14A1's impaired function is linked to urea transport dysfunctions such as urinary concentrating deficiency which can lead to conditions like nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Defects or mutations in its gene can disrupt its transporter activity and affect the body's ability to concentrate urine leading to polyuria and dehydration. In certain scenarios altered activity of SLC14A1 might also interact with conditions related to anemia where urea transport in erythrocytes plays a role in maintaining red blood cell function and stability.