Slc25a21, a member of the SLC25 family, is a mitochondrial carrier transporting C5-C7 oxodicarboxylates. It is involved in maintaining mitochondrial function and regulating apoptosis. It plays a role in metabolic pathways, especially those related to the tricarboxylic acid cycle by affecting the transport of related metabolites [2,4].

In multiple cancer types, SLC25A21 shows down-regulation. In KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer, its down-regulation promotes cancer progression by increasing glutamine anaplerosis, accelerating cell growth, invasion, etc. [1]. In bladder cancer, overexpression of SLC25A21 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induces apoptosis [2]. In adult acute myeloid leukemia, low SLC25A21 expression is correlated with a worse prognosis, and its overexpression inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis [3]. In cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury, sustaining renal Slc25a21 expression slows down AKI progression by reducing cellular apoptosis, necroptosis, and the inflammatory response [4].

In conclusion, Slc25a21 is crucial for maintaining mitochondrial metabolic homeostasis and has a significant impact on various disease conditions, especially cancer and acute kidney injury. Research on Slc25a21 knockout or conditional knockout models has revealed its role as a tumor suppressor in cancer and its protective function in kidney injury, providing potential therapeutic targets for these diseases.