SLC22A3

SLC22A3

Target · Organic cation transporter

SLC22A3 Solute carrier family 22 member 3 · Organic cation transporter 3

SLC22A3, also known as OCT3 and EMT (extraneuronal monoamine transporter), is a membrane transporter of the solute carrier family 22. It moves organic cations such as monoamine neurotransmitters, polyamines, choline and cationic drugs across cell and intracellular membranes. Browse Assay Genie's current range of SLC22A3 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.

Plasma and endomembranesElectrogenic uniporterTransports monoamines
556 aa
Protein length
~61 kDa
Molecular weight
6q25.3
Gene locus
MFS superfamily
Protein family
Target information

What is SLC22A3 (solute carrier family 22 member 3)?

SLC22A3 is an electrogenic, voltage-dependent uniporter that mediates the transport of a variety of organic cations, including endogenous bioactive amines, cationic drugs and xenobiotics. Uptake or release is driven by the electrochemical potential, that is, the membrane potential and the concentration gradient. The transporter works independently of Na(+) and Cl(-) and can operate in both directions.

In the brain, SLC22A3 is implicated in the uptake of monoamine neurotransmitters, including dopamine, adrenaline/epinephrine, noradrenaline/norepinephrine, histamine, serotonin and tyramine, supporting a role in homeostatic regulation of aminergic neurotransmission. It also transports the polyamines spermidine and putrescine, mediates bidirectional transport of agmatine, and transports guanidine and choline. The dopaminergic neuromodulators cyclo(his-pro) and salsolinol are transported with low efficiency. It may contribute to the renal clearance of cationic compounds from the blood and to the transport of cationic compounds across the blood-testis barrier.

The SLC22A3 protein is found at the cell membrane, including apical and basolateral membranes, and also at the mitochondrial membrane, endomembrane system and nuclear membranes. This endomembrane localisation suggests it may mediate intracellular transport of organic cations, contributing to amine metabolism and intracellular signalling. It belongs to the major facilitator superfamily and the organic cation transporter family, and contains twelve putative transmembrane domains. Polyspecific organic cation transporters in the liver, kidney and intestine are critical for eliminating small organic cations, drugs and environmental toxins. The SLC22A3 gene is one of three similar cation transporter genes clustered on chromosome 6; the mouse and rat orthologues are both named Slc22a3.

Monoamine neurotransmission

SLC22A3 is implicated in uptake of dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, adrenaline and histamine, supporting homeostatic regulation of aminergic signalling in the brain.

Drug and xenobiotic disposition

As a polyspecific organic cation transporter, it handles cationic drugs and toxins, and may contribute to renal clearance of cationic compounds.

Polyamine and choline transport

SLC22A3 transports spermidine, putrescine, agmatine, guanidine and choline, making it relevant to studies of amine handling and metabolism.

Intracellular cation transport

Its presence on endomembranes suggests a role in intracellular organic cation transport, amine metabolism and intracellular signalling.

Background

SLC22A3 frequently asked questions

What does SLC22A3 do?

SLC22A3 is a Na(+)- and Cl(-)-independent, bidirectional uniporter that transports organic cations down their electrochemical gradient. Substrates include monoamine neurotransmitters, polyamines, choline, guanidine and cationic drugs. It may contribute to renal clearance and to transport across the blood-testis barrier.

Why is SLC22A3 also called OCT3 and EMT?

OCT3 stands for organic cation transporter 3, and EMT for extraneuronal monoamine transporter. Both are reflected in the previous HGNC names: solute carrier family 22 (organic cation transporter), member 3, and solute carrier family 22 (extraneuronal monoamine transporter), member 3.

Is SLC22A3 conserved in mouse and rat?

Yes. Mouse and rat both have an orthologous gene named Slc22a3. In humans the SLC22A3 gene is one of three similar cation transporter genes in a cluster on chromosome 6. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.

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Related targets

Other solute carrier transporters, including monoamine, amino acid and organic solute carriers, with products at Assay Genie.

Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt O75751; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.

SLC22A3 Product listing