Slc25a48, a mitochondrial inner-membrane carrier protein, is crucial for mitochondrial choline transport. Choline is an essential nutrient involved in phospholipid biosynthesis, neurotransmitter production, and one-carbon metabolism. Slc25a48-mediated choline import into mitochondria is a key step in these metabolic pathways, with implications for mitochondrial function and overall cell survival [1,2,3,4,5,6].

Loss-of-function studies have shown that Slc25a48 is required for brown fat thermogenesis, mitochondrial respiration, and mitochondrial membrane integrity. Cells lacking Slc25a48 exhibit decreased mitochondrial choline import, increased oxidative stress, and impaired cell proliferation. In addition, this gene is highly expressed in brown adipose tissue and is necessary for whole-body cold tolerance. Choline uptake via Slc25a48 facilitates betaine synthesis and one-carbon metabolism, and its absence leads to reduced purine nucleotide synthesis and cell death [1,5].

In conclusion, Slc25a48 plays a critical role in mitochondrial choline catabolism, bioenergetics, and cell survival. Gene-knockout studies of Slc25a48 have provided insights into its functions in metabolic processes and disease-related conditions such as impaired cell proliferation, which may have implications for understanding and treating conditions related to choline metabolism [1,3,5].