OATP1B3

OATP1B3, also known as solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B3, is a protein encoded by the SLCO1B3 gene. It belongs to the solute carrier organic anion transporter family, which are transmembrane proteins responsible for transporting various organic anions across cell membranes. OATP1B3 is primarily expressed in the liver, specifically on the sinusoidal membrane of hepatocytes. Its main function is to mediate the uptake of a wide range of endogenous and exogenous compounds into liver cells.

These transported substrates include bile acids, bilirubin, thyroid hormones, and various drugs such as statins, angiotensin receptor blockers, and antiviral agents. The transport activity of OATP1B3 is crucial for the detoxification and elimination of these substances from the body. Its role in drug disposition has significant implications for pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, influencing drug efficacy and potential toxicity. Genetic variations in the SLCO1B3 gene can affect OATP1B3 expression and function, leading to inter-individual differences in drug response and susceptibility to certain diseases. Research into OATP1B3 continues to explore its involvement in drug metabolism, liver diseases, and the development of new therapeutic strategies.