Component

Human ergothioneine transporter OCTN1 / SLC22A4

Context-specific entity; species, compartment and exposure are stated on each claim.

6 recorded relationships. Experimental role, claim status and evidence remain attached to each record.

Read recorded mechanisms Open recursive mind map

How nutrients influence it

Every nutrient with a recorded effect on this component, credited to the nutrient that acted rather than the chapter that recorded it. Open a nutrient to see the findings and the conditions they were measured under.

How nutrients reach it in more than one step

Chains of two or more recorded steps that end here, grouped by the nutrient they start from. Each step is a separate finding, so a chain is a route a mechanism could take, not proof that it does.

Tracing routes…

What it does

Every recorded relationship this component is part of, grouped by its role. Plain wording comes first; the technical statement follows.

Recorded relationships

What it acts on

  1. SLC22A4 siRNA reduced ergothioneine uptake and abolished its cytoprotection in human brain microvascular endothelial cells.

    Human ergothioneine transporter OCTN1 / SLC22A4 → Human endothelial oxidant-associated cell injury source_derived_draftungraded
    Experimental context and source evidence
    availability_state
    machinery_impairment Imported condition classification; unverified.
    evidence_access
    Primary abstract
    experimental_model
    Cultured human cells challenged with oxidant generators or high glucose.
    limitations
    Transport dependence does not locate ergothioneine inside mitochondria.
    nutrient_topic
    Ergothioneine collection; molecular form, preparation, species, exposure and manipulation remain explicit. · L-Ergothioneine
    plain_language
    Protection depended on getting the compound inside.
    primary_references
    Uptake and protective effects of ergothioneine in human endothelial cells. · 2014 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25022513/ · DOI 10.1124/jpet.114.214049
    trigger_kind
    machinery_impairment Imported condition classification; unverified.

    Ergothioneine: transport, redox chemistry and cross-nutrient mechanisms (2026-09-19) · lines 280–286

    AI-assisted research curation; primary references, access levels and experimental limitations individually identified. Not publisher full text. · supports · Cultured human cells challenged with oxidant generators or high glucose. · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft

    ## ergothioneine-endothelial-entry-loss Protection depended on getting the compound inside. SLC22A4 siRNA reduced ergothioneine uptake and abolished its cytoprotection in human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Model: Cultured human cells challenged with oxidant generators or high glucose. Limitations: Transport dependence does not locate ergothioneine inside mitochondria. Evidence access: Primary abstract Uptake and protective effects of ergothioneine in human endothelial cells. · 2014 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25022513/ · DOI 10.1124/jpet.114.214049
    Complete structured claim and evidence

  2. SLC22A4-depleted human cells showed increased protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation under oxidative stress.

    Human ergothioneine transporter OCTN1 / SLC22A4 → Human cultured-cell lipid peroxidation source_derived_draftungraded
    Experimental context and source evidence
    availability_state
    machinery_impairment Imported condition classification; unverified.
    evidence_access
    Primary abstract
    experimental_model
    Human cultured cells with transporter knockdown.
    limitations
    Not a human dietary deficiency syndrome; linked outcomes share one study.
    nutrient_topic
    Ergothioneine collection; molecular form, preparation, species, exposure and manipulation remain explicit. · L-Ergothioneine
    plain_language
    The consequences extend beyond DNA.
    primary_references
    The unusual amino acid L-ergothioneine is a physiologic cytoprotectant. · 2010 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19911007/ · DOI 10.1038/cdd.2009.163
    trigger_kind
    machinery_impairment Imported condition classification; unverified.

    Ergothioneine: transport, redox chemistry and cross-nutrient mechanisms (2026-09-19) · lines 88–94

    AI-assisted research curation; primary references, access levels and experimental limitations individually identified. Not publisher full text. · supports · Human cultured cells with transporter knockdown. · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft

    ## ergothioneine-hela-lipid-loss The consequences extend beyond DNA. SLC22A4-depleted human cells showed increased protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation under oxidative stress. Model: Human cultured cells with transporter knockdown. Limitations: Not a human dietary deficiency syndrome; linked outcomes share one study. Evidence access: Primary abstract The unusual amino acid L-ergothioneine is a physiologic cytoprotectant. · 2010 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19911007/ · DOI 10.1038/cdd.2009.163
    Complete structured claim and evidence

  3. RNA-interference depletion of SLC22A4 made human cultured cells more susceptible to oxidant-associated mitochondrial DNA damage.

    Human ergothioneine transporter OCTN1 / SLC22A4 → Human cultured-cell mitochondrial DNA damage source_derived_draftungraded
    Experimental context and source evidence
    availability_state
    machinery_impairment Imported condition classification; unverified.
    evidence_access
    Primary abstract
    experimental_model
    Human cell RNA-interference and oxidant challenges.
    limitations
    Does not establish the identity of a mitochondrial membrane transporter.
    nutrient_topic
    Ergothioneine collection; molecular form, preparation, species, exposure and manipulation remain explicit. · L-Ergothioneine
    plain_language
    Removing the entry route weakens cellular protection.
    primary_references
    The unusual amino acid L-ergothioneine is a physiologic cytoprotectant. · 2010 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19911007/ · DOI 10.1038/cdd.2009.163
    trigger_kind
    machinery_impairment Imported condition classification; unverified.

    Ergothioneine: transport, redox chemistry and cross-nutrient mechanisms (2026-09-19) · lines 80–86

    AI-assisted research curation; primary references, access levels and experimental limitations individually identified. Not publisher full text. · supports · Human cell RNA-interference and oxidant challenges. · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft

    ## ergothioneine-hela-transporter-loss Removing the entry route weakens cellular protection. RNA-interference depletion of SLC22A4 made human cultured cells more susceptible to oxidant-associated mitochondrial DNA damage. Model: Human cell RNA-interference and oxidant challenges. Limitations: Does not establish the identity of a mitochondrial membrane transporter. Evidence access: Primary abstract The unusual amino acid L-ergothioneine is a physiologic cytoprotectant. · 2010 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19911007/ · DOI 10.1038/cdd.2009.163
    Complete structured claim and evidence

  4. Wild-type human SLC22A4 did not mediate carnitine transport in the comparative HEK293 expression assay.

    Human ergothioneine transporter OCTN1 / SLC22A4 → L-Carnitine source_derived_draftungraded
    Experimental context and source evidence
    evidence_access
    Primary abstract
    experimental_model
    Wild-type human SLC22A4/SLC22A5 transport comparison.
    limitations
    Assay-specific discrimination; engineered mutants have different properties.
    nutrient_topic
    Ergothioneine collection; molecular form, preparation, species, exposure and manipulation remain explicit. · L-Ergothioneine
    plain_language
    The historical carrier name does not mean carnitine uses this route.
    primary_references
    Substrate discrimination by ergothioneine transporter SLC22A4 and carnitine transporter SLC22A5: gain-of-function by interchange of selected amino acids. · 2009 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19814996/ · DOI 10.1016/j.bbamem.2009.09.019

    Ergothioneine: transport, redox chemistry and cross-nutrient mechanisms (2026-09-19) · lines 32–38

    AI-assisted research curation; primary references, access levels and experimental limitations individually identified. Not publisher full text. · supports · Wild-type human SLC22A4/SLC22A5 transport comparison. · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft

    ## ergothioneine-slc22a4-not-carnitine The historical carrier name does not mean carnitine uses this route. Wild-type human SLC22A4 did not mediate carnitine transport in the comparative HEK293 expression assay. Model: Wild-type human SLC22A4/SLC22A5 transport comparison. Limitations: Assay-specific discrimination; engineered mutants have different properties. Evidence access: Primary abstract Substrate discrimination by ergothioneine transporter SLC22A4 and carnitine transporter SLC22A5: gain-of-function by interchange of selected amino acids. · 2009 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19814996/ · DOI 10.1016/j.bbamem.2009.09.019
    Complete structured claim and evidence

  5. Expression of human SLC22A4 in HEK293 cells produced efficient, sodium-dependent ergothioneine uptake and intracellular retention.

    Human ergothioneine transporter OCTN1 / SLC22A4 → L-Ergothioneine source_derived_draftungraded
    Experimental context and source evidence
    evidence_access
    Primary abstract
    experimental_model
    Human transporter expressed in HEK293 cells.
    limitations
    Expression experiments do not quantify uptake in every human tissue.
    nutrient_topic
    Ergothioneine collection; molecular form, preparation, species, exposure and manipulation remain explicit. · L-Ergothioneine
    plain_language
    A specific carrier lets cells build an ergothioneine pool.
    primary_references
    Discovery of the ergothioneine transporter. · 2005 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15795384/ · DOI 10.1073/pnas.0408624102
    transport_effect
    raises Sodium-dependent ergothioneine uptake with intracellular retention.
    transport_pool
    the expressing cell Sodium-dependent ergothioneine uptake with intracellular retention.

    Ergothioneine: transport, redox chemistry and cross-nutrient mechanisms (2026-09-19) · lines 16–22

    AI-assisted research curation; primary references, access levels and experimental limitations individually identified. Not publisher full text. · supports · Human transporter expressed in HEK293 cells. · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft

    ## ergothioneine-slc22a4-uptake A specific carrier lets cells build an ergothioneine pool. Expression of human SLC22A4 in HEK293 cells produced efficient, sodium-dependent ergothioneine uptake and intracellular retention. Model: Human transporter expressed in HEK293 cells. Limitations: Expression experiments do not quantify uptake in every human tissue. Evidence access: Primary abstract Discovery of the ergothioneine transporter. · 2005 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15795384/ · DOI 10.1073/pnas.0408624102
    Complete structured claim and evidence

Where it participates (unsigned role)

  1. Verapamil abrogated ergothioneine protection in the human neuronal-cell study.

    Verapamil → Ergothioneine-associated human neuronal cytoprotection source_derived_draftungraded
    Experimental context and source evidence
    availability_state
    machinery_impairment Imported condition classification; unverified.
    evidence_access
    Primary abstract
    experimental_model
    6-OHDA challenge with verapamil hydrochloride.
    limitations
    Verapamil is nonspecific; this experiment alone cannot prove exclusive SLC22A4 mediation.
    nutrient_topic
    Ergothioneine collection; molecular form, preparation, species, exposure and manipulation remain explicit. · L-Ergothioneine
    plain_language
    A transport-inhibiting drug weakened protection.
    primary_references
    Ergothioneine-Mediated Neuroprotection of Human iPSC-Derived Dopaminergic Neurons. · 2024 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38929132/ · DOI 10.3390/antiox13060693
    trigger_kind
    machinery_impairment Imported condition classification; unverified.

    Ergothioneine: transport, redox chemistry and cross-nutrient mechanisms (2026-09-19) · lines 400–406

    AI-assisted research curation; primary references, access levels and experimental limitations individually identified. Not publisher full text. · supports · 6-OHDA challenge with verapamil hydrochloride. · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft

    ## ergothioneine-neuronal-verapamil A transport-inhibiting drug weakened protection. Verapamil abrogated ergothioneine protection in the human neuronal-cell study. Model: 6-OHDA challenge with verapamil hydrochloride. Limitations: Verapamil is nonspecific; this experiment alone cannot prove exclusive SLC22A4 mediation. Evidence access: Primary abstract Ergothioneine-Mediated Neuroprotection of Human iPSC-Derived Dopaminergic Neurons. · 2024 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38929132/ · DOI 10.3390/antiox13060693
    Complete structured claim and evidence

In the sources

Preserved passages that mention this component, quoted exactly. Open one to read it in context.

    This is a research prototype built from draft material. It is not medical advice, and its statements still await verification against the original studies.

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