FEATURES

FAMILY

DESCRIPTION

Also known as OSTA_HUMAN, SLC51A, OSTA. Essential component of the Ost-alpha/Ost-beta complex, a heterodimer that acts as the intestinal basolateral transporter responsible for bile acid export from enterocytes into portal blood (PubMed:16317684). Efficiently transports the major species of bile acids (taurocholate) (PubMed:16317684). Taurine conjugates are transported more efficiently across the basolateral membrane than glycine-conjugated bile acids (By similarity). Can also transport steroids such as estrone 3-sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone 3-sulfate, therefore playing a role in the enterohepatic circulation of sterols (PubMed:16317684). Able to transport eicosanoids such as prostaglandin E2 (By similarity). Interacts with SLC51B. The Ost-alpha/Ost-beta complex is a heterodimer composed of alpha (SLC51A) and beta (SLC51B) subunit (By similarity).

EXTERNAL LINKS

SLC51A

Organic solute transporter subunit alpha

SLC51A

Molecular Synopsis