Identification of substrate(s) of SLC16A11

Slc16a11 is a member of the Slc16 family of transporters, which includes 14 genes. Four of these encode monocarboxylate transporters for lactate, pyruvate and ketone bodies and two have been linked with the transport of thyroid hormones and aromatic amino acids, respectively. The substrates of Slc16a11 and its closest related protein Slc16a13 are not known. The highest expression of Slc16a11 in humans according to RNAseq data is found in thyroid, salivary gland and liver. However, the precise cell types expressing Slc16a11 in these tissues are not known. Internal RNAseq data from mouse show expression in islets of Langerhans. With that the functional link between mutations within Slc16A11 and the development of T2D are unknown and need to be elucidated. Aim of this project therefore is to identify the substrate(s) of SLC16A11 to base a decision whether to further elaborate on the therapeutic potential of this transporter target.