Slc16a13, also known as monocarboxylate transporter 13 (MCT13), is a gene encoding a member of the solute carrier 16 family of monocarboxylate transporters. It is expressed in the liver and duodenum, and is a susceptibility gene for type 2 diabetes. Its functions may involve the transport of oligopeptides and peptidomimetics across the plasma membrane, potentially contributing to the regulation of intestinal epithelial transport [1].

Genome-wide association studies have identified SLC16A13 as a type 2 diabetes-related gene. In a mouse model, deletion of Slc16a13 led to reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and increased hepatic insulin sensitivity in high-fat diet-fed mice. This was due to reduced intrahepatocellular lactate availability, which increased AMPK activation and mitochondrial respiration, while reducing hepatic lipid content and attenuating hepatic diacylglycerol-PKCε mediated insulin resistance [2].

In conclusion, Slc16a13 plays a role in the transport of oligopeptides and is associated with type 2 diabetes. The gene knockout mouse model has revealed its significance in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity, suggesting that Slc16a13 could be a potential target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [2].

References:

1. Higuchi, Kei, Kunieda, Misato, Sugiyama, Koki, Kishimoto, Hisanao, Inoue, Katsuhisa. 2023. Monocarboxylate Transporter 13 (MCT13/SLC16A13) Functions as a Novel Plasma Membrane Oligopeptide Transporter. In Nutrients, 15, . doi:10.3390/nu15163527. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37630718/

2. Schumann, Tina, König, Jörg, von Loeffelholz, Christian, Hamilton, Bradford S, Birkenfeld, Andreas L. 2021. Deletion of the diabetes candidate gene Slc16a13 in mice attenuates diet-induced ectopic lipid accumulation and insulin resistance. In Communications biology, 4, 826. doi:10.1038/s42003-021-02279-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34211098/