Chloride anion exchanger

Function

Protein DRA is a membrane protein in intestinal cells. It is an anion exchanger and a member of the sulfate anion transporter (SAT) family. It mediates chloride and bicarbonate exchange and additionally transports sulfate and other anions at the apical membrane, part of the plasma membrane of enterocytes. It is different from the anion exchanger that present in erythrocytes, renal tubule, and several other tissues.

The protein encoded by this gene is a transmembrane glycoprotein that functions as a sulfate transporter. It is localized to the mucosa of the lower intestinal tract, particularly to the apical membrane of columnar epithelium and some goblet cells, and is instrumental in chloride reuptake, aiding in the creation of an osmotic gradient for resorption of fluid from the lumen of the intestine.

Clinical significance

Mutations in this gene have been associated with congenital chloride diarrhoea, a treatable disease.

The congenital absence of this membrane protein results in an autosomal recessive disorder called congenital chloridorrhea or congenital chloride diarrhea (CLD).

References

References

1. "Entrez Gene: SLC26A3 solute carrier family 26, member 3".
2. (November 2002). "The functional and physical relationship between the DRA bicarbonate transporter and carbonic anhydrase II". American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology.
3. (March 2012). "LPA stimulates intestinal DRA gene transcription via LPA2 receptor, PI3K/AKT, and c-Fos-dependent pathway". American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology.
4. (November 2007). "Molecular cloning and promoter analysis of downregulated in adenoma (DRA)". American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology.