Organic solute transporter alpha, also known as OST-alpha, is a protein which in humans is encoded by the OSTAgene.[5][6]
Function
OST-alpha together with OST-beta is able to transport estrone sulfate, taurocholate, digoxin, and prostaglandin E2 across cell membranes.[6][7] The Ost-alpha / Ost-beta heterodimer, but not the individual subunits, stimulates sodium-independent bile acid uptake.[7] The heterodimer furthermore is essential for intestinal bile acid transport.[8]
OST-alpha and OST-alpha have high expression in the testis, colon, liver, small intestine, kidney, ovary, and adrenal gland.[6]
^ abcSeward DJ, Koh AS, Boyer JL, Ballatori N (July 2003). "Functional complementation between a novel mammalian polygenic transport complex and an evolutionarily ancient organic solute transporter, OSTalpha-OSTbeta". J. Biol. Chem. 278 (30): 27473–82. doi:10.1074/jbc.M301106200. PMID12719432.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)