Significance of taurine transporter

Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) contributes to homeostasis, mainly through its antioxidant and osmoregulatory properties. Taurine's influx and efflux are mainly mediated through the ubiquitous expression of the sodium/chloride-dependent taurine transporter, located on the plasma membrane. The significance of the taurine transporter has been shown in various organ malfunctions in taurine-transporter-null mice. The taurine transporter differentially responds to various cellular stimuli including ionic environment, electrochemical charge, and pH changes. The renal system has been used as a model to evaluate the factors that significantly determine the regulation of taurine transporter regulation. Key words: taurine transporter, regulation, taurine deficient conditions