Proton-Coupled Oligopeptide Transport (Slc15) in the Brain: Past and Future Research

This mini-review describes the role of the solute carrier (SLC)15 family of proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters (POTs) and particularly Pept2 (Slc15A2) and PhT1 (Slc15A4) in the brain. That family transports endogenous di- and tripeptides and peptidomimetics but also a number of drugs. The review focuses on the pioneering work of David E. Smith in the field in identifying the impact of PepT2 at the choroid plexus (the blood-CSF barrier) as well as PepT2 and PhT1 in brain parenchymal cells. It also discusses recent findings and future directions in relation to brain POTs including cellular and subcellular localization, regulatory pathways, transporter structure, species differences and disease states.

Automated summary

This mini-review provides an overview of the role of the solute carrier 15 (SLC15) family of proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters (POTs) in the brain, with a focus on Pept2 (Slc15A2) and PhT1 (Slc15A4). These transporters play a crucial role in the transport of di- and tripeptides, peptidomimetics, and drugs in the brain. The review highlights the pioneering work of David E. Smith in elucidating the impact of PepT2 at the choroid plexus and brain parenchymal cells, and discusses recent findings and future directions in brain POT research, including localization, regulatory pathways, transporter structure, species differences, and disease states.