We have isolated a cDNA from human placenta, which, when expressed heterologously in mammalian cells, mediates the transport of the water-soluble vitamin thiamine. The cDNA codes for a protein of 497 amino acids containing 12 putative transmembrane domains. Northern blot analysis indicates that this transporter is widely expressed in human tissues. When expressed in HeLa cells, the cDNA induces...

Plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) is a novel membrane transporter recently cloned and characterized in our laboratory. We previously demonstrated that PMAT functions as a polyspecific organic cation transporter and efficiently transports many organic cations such as monoamine neurotransmitters and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)). In this study, we explored the role of PMAT in th...

OCTN2 is an Na(+)-dependent transporter for carnitine, which is essential for fatty acid metabolism, and its functional defect leads to fatal systemic carnitine deficiency (SCD). It also transports the organic cation tetraethylammonium (TEA) in an Na(+)-independent manner. Here, we studied the multifunctionality of OCTN2, by examining the transport characteristics in cells transfected with mous...

Polyspecific organic cation (OC) transporters play important roles in the disposition of clinically used drugs, including drugs used during pregnancy. Pregnancy is known to alter the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters, but its specific effect on OC transporters has not been well defined. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and liquid chromatography coupled with ta...

Polyspecific organic cation (OC) transporters play important roles in the disposition of clinically used drugs, including drugs used during pregnancy. Pregnancy is known to alter the expression of drugmetabolizing enzymes and transporters, but its specific effect on OC transporters has not been well defined. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and liquid chromatography coupled with tan...

Eltrombopag (ELT) is a novel thrombopoietin receptor agonist for the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Previous reports indicate that ELT is mainly eliminated in the liver, although its pharmacokinetic profile has not yet been clarified in detail. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the overall elimination mechanism of ELT. After intravenous administration of ELT ...

The potent anti-hyperuricemia activities of Fructus Gardenia Extract (FGE) have been well reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the uricosuric and nephro-protective effects of FGE and explore its possible mechanisms of action in oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice. FGE was orally administered to hyperuricemic and normal mice for 1 week. Serum and urinary levels of uric acid, creatinine...

Atenolol is a b-blocker widely used in the treatment of hypertension. Atenolol is cleared predominantly by the kidney by both glomerular filtration and active secretion, but the molecular mechanisms involved in its renal secretion are unclear. Using a panel of human embryonic kidney cell lines stably expressing human organic cation transporter (hOCT) 1–3, human organic anion transporter (hOAT) ...