Details for: SLC16A6

Gene ID: 9120

Gene Type:  Protein-coding  - A gene that serves as a template for producing a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule, which is then translated into a functional protein.

Symbol: SLC16A6

Ensembl ID: ENSG00000108932

Description: solute carrier family 16 member 6

Selected Context(s):  Overall

Cell Significance Landscape

Contexts:

Associated with

Significant Cells

Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores for the chosen context(s)

  • cerebral cortex endothelial cell CL1001602
    CSI 4.84
    rCSI 8.37%
    PRS 73.23
  • intermediate monocyte CL0002393
    CSI 4.14
    rCSI 6.25%
    PRS 86.32
  • choroid plexus epithelial cell CL0000706
    CSI 3.54
    rCSI 5.8%
    PRS 71.13
  • CD14-positive, CD16-positive monocyte CL0002397
    CSI 2.71
    rCSI 3.55%
    PRS 91.04
  • elicited macrophage CL0000861
    CSI 2.68
    rCSI 2.46%
    PRS 88.47
  • CD14-positive monocyte CL0001054
    CSI 2.6
    rCSI 3.24%
    PRS 89.7
  • promonocyte CL0000559
    CSI 2.58
    rCSI 4.43%
    PRS 86.87
  • melanocyte of skin CL1000458
    CSI 2.06
    rCSI 2.8%
    PRS 48.6
  • CD14-low, CD16-positive monocyte CL0002396
    CSI 1.92
    rCSI 1.48%
    PRS 84.23
  • alveolar macrophage CL0000583
    CSI 1.88
    rCSI 3.1%
    PRS 84.9
  • lamp5 GABAergic cortical interneuron CL4023011
    CSI 1.58
    rCSI 2.66%
    PRS 63.84
  • retinal cone cell CL0000573
    CSI 1.31
    rCSI 2.11%
    PRS 71.77
  • retinal ganglion cell CL0000740
    CSI 1.2
    rCSI 2.64%
    PRS 67.53
  • lung macrophage CL1001603
    CSI 1.19
    rCSI 2.67%
    PRS 88.06
  • colon macrophage CL0009038
    CSI 0.92
    rCSI 4.25%
    PRS 92.06
  • L5 extratelencephalic projecting glutamatergic cortical neuron CL4023041
    CSI 0.62
    rCSI 2.24%
    PRS 61.81
  • CD14-positive, CD16-negative classical monocyte CL0002057
    CSI 0.36
    rCSI 2.16%
    PRS 91.41

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this specific cell.

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this cell type. Calculated using techniques like effect size estimation and bootstrapping for reliability.

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this cell type. Calculated using techniques like effect size estimation and bootstrapping for reliability.
Network Configuration

Explore relationships of the current gene. Select an Interaction Source: 'ONTOLOGY' for shared pathways (GO/Reactome) or 'STRING' for protein-protein interactions. Further refine by selecting context genes and comparing Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores between baseline and target cell types and their specific contexts.

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  • Node Color (Target Cell CSI, relative to current network):
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    • High
    • Medium
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    • Very Low
    • CSI N/A
  • Node Size: Proportional to Target Cell CSI magnitude
  • STRING PPI Edge
  • Shared Pathway Edge (ONTOLOGY)

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Other Information

This section provides additional information about the gene, including a description generated by an AI language model and details about associated proteins.

## Summary [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120), or Solute Carrier Family 16 Member 6, encodes a protein known as monocarboxylate transporter 6 (MCT6). As a member of the large solute carrier family, its primary function involves the transmembrane transport of small molecules, particularly monocarboxylic acids and taurine. **Overall**, expression data reveals that [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) shows high significance in cell types that form critical biological barriers, such as the [cerebral cortex endothelial cell](/details-cell/CL1001602) of the blood-brain barrier and the [choroid plexus epithelial cell](/details-cell/CL0000706). It is also a key marker across various myeloid lineage cells, including [intermediate monocyte](/details-cell/CL0002393) and tissue-resident macrophages, suggesting a fundamental role in both central nervous system homeostasis and immune cell metabolism. ## Cellular Roles and Expression Landscape The expression profile of [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) highlights its importance in distinct cellular contexts, primarily involving transport functions at physiological barriers and within the immune system. The most significant expression is observed in [cerebral cortex endothelial cell](/details-cell/CL1001602) (CSI: 4.84), indicating a specialized role in regulating the passage of solutes across the blood-brain barrier. This is complemented by its high significance in [choroid plexus epithelial cell](/details-cell/CL0000706) (CSI: 3.54), the cells responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid, further implicating [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) in maintaining the unique metabolic environment of the central nervous system. A second major functional niche for [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) is within the myeloid compartment of the immune system. It is highly significant across the monocyte maturation and differentiation spectrum, including [intermediate monocyte](/details-cell/CL0002393) (CSI: 4.14), [CD14-positive, CD16-positive monocyte](/details-cell/CL0002397) (CSI: 2.71), and [promonocyte](/details-cell/CL0000559) (CSI: 2.58). This pattern extends to tissue macrophages, with high significance in [elicited macrophage](/details-cell/CL0000861) (CSI: 2.68), [alveolar macrophage](/details-cell/CL0000583) (CSI: 1.88), and [lung macrophage](/details-cell/CL1001603) (CSI: 1.19), suggesting a conserved role in regulating macrophage metabolism and function. Beyond these primary roles, [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) is also expressed in specialized cell types such as [melanocyte of skin](/details-cell/CL1000458) and certain neuronal and retinal cells, including [lamp5 GABAergic cortical interneuron](/details-cell/CL4023011) and [retinal cone cell](/details-cell/CL0000573), suggesting broader physiological functions. ## Pathways and Molecular Function Functional annotation data aligns with the observed expression pattern, defining [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) as a key transport protein. As established in early cloning studies, it is a member of the monocarboxylate transporter family ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1042/bj3290321)). * **Biological Process:** The gene is primarily associated with [carboxylic acid transmembrane transport](/details-cell/GO:1905039) and [taurine transmembrane transport](/details-cell/GO:0015734). The transport of monocarboxylic acids like lactate is fundamental to the metabolic activity of endothelial cells and macrophages. Taurine is an important osmolyte and antioxidant, particularly in the central nervous system, which is consistent with the gene's expression in retinal and choroid plexus cells. * **Molecular Function:** Its molecular activities are defined as [monocarboxylic acid transmembrane transporter activity](/details-cell/GO:0008028) and [taurine transmembrane transporter activity](/details-cell/GO:0005368). It is also annotated with a general [protein binding](/details-cell/GO:0005515) function, suggesting potential interactions with regulatory partners. * **Cellular Component:** [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) is an integral membrane protein, localized to the [plasma membrane](/details-cell/GO:0005886) and specifically noted at the [basolateral plasma membrane](/details-cell/GO:0016323) in polarized cells like epithelial and endothelial cells. This localization is critical for its function in directional transport across cellular barriers. ## Research Directions The specific expression patterns and annotated functions of [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) suggest several avenues for future investigation, particularly regarding its roles in neuro-immunology and metabolic regulation. ### Proposed Hypotheses 1. **Role in Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity and Brain Metabolism:** Given its prominent expression in [cerebral cortex endothelial cell](/details-cell/CL1001602) and [choroid plexus epithelial cell](/details-cell/CL0000706), [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) may be a critical gatekeeper for metabolic substrates (e.g., lactate) and neuro-active compounds entering the central nervous system. Its dysregulation could contribute to neurological disorders characterized by metabolic stress or blood-brain barrier dysfunction. 2. **Modulation of Macrophage Function:** The high significance of [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) in diverse macrophage populations suggests it is a key regulator of their metabolic state. By transporting lactate, it may directly influence macrophage polarization, with high activity potentially favoring an anti-inflammatory or pro-resolving (M2-like) phenotype. 3. **Function in Retinal Homeostasis:** The specific expression in [retinal cone cell](/details-cell/CL0000573) and its function in taurine transport ([GO:0015734](https://www.ebi.ac.uk/QuickGO/term/GO:0015734)) point to a specialized role in maintaining retinal health. It may be essential for protecting photoreceptors from oxidative stress and maintaining osmotic balance, making it a potential factor in retinal degenerative diseases. ### Key Experiment To test the hypothesis that [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) modulates macrophage function (Hypothesis 2), a myeloid-specific conditional knockout mouse model could be generated (e.g., *Slc16a6*flox/flox; *Lyz2*-Cre). Bone marrow-derived macrophages from these knockout mice and wild-type littermates could be differentiated and polarized towards pro-inflammatory (M1, with LPS/IFN-γ) or anti-inflammatory (M2, with IL-4/IL-13) phenotypes. The impact of [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) deletion could be assessed by measuring metabolic profiles using a Seahorse XF Analyzer (to quantify glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation) and by profiling cytokine secretion (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10) using multiplex assays. This would directly link its transport activity to the metabolic and inflammatory functions of macrophages. ### Therapeutic Potential As a solute carrier, [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) represents a potentially druggable target. Its high expression in macrophages suggests it could be a target for immunomodulatory therapies. In diseases driven by chronic inflammation or in the tumor microenvironment where lactate metabolism is a key signaling axis, **inhibition** of [SLC16A6](/details-gene/9120) with small molecules could be a strategy to reprogram macrophage function. For example, blocking lactate uptake/efflux in tumor-associated macrophages might shift them towards a pro-inflammatory, anti-tumor state. Its specific expression at the blood-brain barrier also makes it a potential target for improving drug delivery to the CNS.

Genular Protein ID: 3671542095

Symbol: MOT7_HUMAN

Name: Monocarboxylate transporter 6

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

O15403 Q6P1X3

Database IDs:

AGR 1 AlphaFoldDB 1 Antibodypedia 1 Bgee 1 BioGRID 1 BioGRID-ORCS 1 BioMuta 1 CCDS 1 CDD 1 CTD 1 ChEBI 1 ChiTaRS 1 DNASU 1 DisGeNET 1 DrugBank 1 EMBL 3 Ensembl 2 ExpressionAtlas 1 GO 6 Gene3D 1 GeneCards 1 GeneTree 1 GenomeRNAi 1 HGNC 1 HOGENOM 1 HPA 1 InParanoid 1 IntAct 1 InterPro 5 KEGG 1 MANE-Select 1 MIM 1 MassIVE 1 NCBI Taxonomy 1 OMA 1 OpenTargets 1 OrthoDB 1 PANTHER 2 PRO 1 PROSITE 1 PathwayCommons 1 PaxDb 1 PeptideAtlas 1 Pfam 1 PharmGKB 1 Pharos 1 PhosphoSitePlus 1 PhylomeDB 1 Proteomes 1 ProteomicsDB 1 RNAct 1 RefSeq 5 Rhea 3 SMR 1 STRING 1 SUPFAM 1 SignaLink 1 SwissPalm 1 TCDB 1 TreeFam 1 UCSC 1 VEuPathDB 1 eggNOG 1 iPTMnet 1 jPOST 1 neXtProt 1

Citations:

PubMed ID: 9425115

Title: Cloning and sequencing of four new mammalian monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) homologues confirms the existence of a transporter family with an ancient past.

PubMed ID: 9425115

DOI: 10.1042/bj3290321

PubMed ID: 15489334

Title: The status, quality, and expansion of the NIH full-length cDNA project: the Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC).

PubMed ID: 15489334

DOI: 10.1101/gr.2596504

PubMed ID: 17081983

Title: Global, in vivo, and site-specific phosphorylation dynamics in signaling networks.

PubMed ID: 17081983

DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2006.09.026

PubMed ID: 18691976

Title: Kinase-selective enrichment enables quantitative phosphoproteomics of the kinome across the cell cycle.

PubMed ID: 18691976

DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2008.07.007

PubMed ID: 18669648

Title: A quantitative atlas of mitotic phosphorylation.

PubMed ID: 18669648

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0805139105

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 523
  • Mass: 57393
  • Checksum: 994FB5DCB9404340
  • Sequence:
    • MTQNKLKLCS KANVYTEVPD GGWGWAVAVS FFFVEVFTYG IIKTFGVFFN DLMDSFNESN 
SRISWIISIC VFVLTFSAPL ATVLSNRFGH RLVVMLGGLL VSTGMVAASF SQEVSHMYVA 
IGIISGLGYC FSFLPTVTIL SQYFGKRRSI VTAVASTGEC FAVFAFAPAI MALKERIGWR 
YSLLFVGLLQ LNIVIFGALL RPIFIRGPAS PKIVIQENRK EAQYMLENEK TRTSIDSIDS 
GVELTTSPKN VPTHTNLELE PKADMQQVLV KTSPRPSEKK APLLDFSILK EKSFICYALF 
GLFATLGFFA PSLYIIPLGI SLGIDQDRAA FLLSTMAIAE VFGRIGAGFV LNREPIRKIY 
IELICVILLT VSLFAFTFAT EFWGLMSCSI FFGFMVGTIG GTHIPLLAED DVVGIEKMSS 
AAGVYIFIQS IAGLAGPPLA GLLVDQSKIY SRAFYSCAAG MALAAVCLAL VRPCKMGLCQ 
HHHSGETKVV SHRGKTLQDI PEDFLEMDLA KNEHRVHVQM EPV