Slc16a1
Function
Bidirectional proton-coupled monocarboxylate transporter. Catalyzes the rapid transport across the plasma membrane of many monocarboxylates such as lactate, pyruvate, acetate and the ketone bodies acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate, and thus contributes to the maintenance of intracellular pH (By similarity). The transport direction is determined by the proton motive force and the concentration gradient of the substrate monocarboxylate. MCT1 is a major lactate exporter (By similarity). Plays a role in cellular responses to a high-fat diet by modulating the cellular levels of lactate and pyruvate that contribute to the regulation of central metabolic pathways and insulin secretion, with concomitant effects on plasma insulin levels and blood glucose homeostasis (PubMed:22522610, PubMed:24367518). Facilitates the protonated monocarboxylate form of succinate export, that its transient protonation upon muscle cell acidification in exercising muscle and ischemic heart. Functions via alternate outward- and inward-open conformation states. Protonation and deprotonation of 302-Asp is essential for the conformational transition (PubMed:32946811).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the major facilitator superfamily. Monocarboxylate porter (TC 2.A.1.13) family.
Tissue Specificity
Detected in liver, brain, spinal cord, spermatozoa, muscle, white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue (at protein level). Widely expressed, except in pancreas, where expression is not detectable.
Cellular localization
- Cell membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Basolateral cell membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Apical cell membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Expression at the cell surface requires the ancillary proteins BSG and EMB.
Alternative names
Mct1, Slc16a1, Monocarboxylate transporter 1, MCT 1, Solute carrier family 16 member 1