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Biochemical Journal logoLink to Biochemical Journal
. 2003 Nov 15;376(Pt 1):43–48. doi: 10.1042/BJ20031220

Polarized expression of members of the solute carrier SLC19A gene family of water-soluble multivitamin transporters: implications for physiological function.

Michael J Boulware 1, Veedamali S Subramanian 1, Hamid M Said 1, Jonathan S Marchant 1
PMCID: PMC1223768  PMID: 14602044

Abstract

Humans lack biochemical pathways for the synthesis of the micro-nutrients thiamine and folate. Cellular requirements are met through membrane transport activity, which is mediated by proteins of the SLC19A gene family. By using live-cell confocal imaging methods to resolve the localization of all SLC19A family members, we show that the two human thiamine transporters are differentially targeted in polarized cells, establishing a vectorial transport system. Such polarization decreases functional redundancy between transporter isoforms and allows for independent regulation of thiamine import and export pathways in cells.

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Selected References

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