Abstract
Mammal multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (MATE 1) encoded by SLC47A1 gene was described in 2005 as an efflux transporter that mediates proton-coupled organic cation secretion. In the kidney and liver, MATEs work in concert with organic cation transporters (OCTs), together representing an eliminatory pathway for organic cations.
Over 40 clinically used drugs and several endogenous compounds are known substrates or inhibitors of MATEs. These transporters are supposed to modulate pharmacokinetics/toxicokinetics and to play a role in drug resistance and (patho)physiological processes.
Drug drug interactions on MATE transporters and polymorphisms in SLC47A genes may affect renal excretion of substrate drugs. Expression and function of MATEs in tissues other than kidney and liver remain to be elucidated.