Anion antiporter that mediates the transport of urate, orotate and nicotinate in exchange for organic or inorganic anions ( , ). Translocates urate and orotate across the apical membrane of proximal tubule epithelial cells and involved in urate renal reabsorption ( ). Possibly involved in orotate renal reabsorption and nicotinate intestinal reabsorption (, ). Mediates urate uptake by an exchange with organic anions such as (S)-lactate, succinate, glutathione and nicotinate . Urate and orotate transports are Cl(-)-dependent (, ). Shows similar transport characteristics as the urate/orotate renal antiporter SLC22A12/URAT1 and may act as a compensator of SLC22A12/URAT1 in certain conditions (Probable).
Subcellular locations: Apical cell membrane
Ubiquitous . Highly expressed in kidneys and to a weaker extent in brain, heart, and intestine . In kidneys, expressed in proximal convoluted tubule ( ). In kidneys, also expressed in cortical collecting duct, whereas glomerulus and thick ascending limb exhibit no expression .