SLC52A2

This gene encodes a membrane protein which belongs to the riboflavin transporter family. In humans, riboflavin must be obtained by intestinal absorption because it cannot be synthesized by the body. The water-soluble vitamin riboflavin is processed to the coenzymes flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) which then act as intermediaries in many cellular metabolic reactions. Paralogous members of the riboflavin transporter gene family are located on chromosomes 17 and 20. Unlike other members of this family, this gene has higher expression in brain tissue than small intestine. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants encoding the same protein. Mutations in this gene have been associated with Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome 2 - an autosomal recessive progressive neurologic disorder characterized by deafness, bulbar dysfunction, and axial and limb hypotonia.

Full Name

solute carrier protein 52, member 2

Function

Plasma membrane transporter mediating the uptake by cells of the water soluble vitamin B2/riboflavin that plays a key role in biochemical oxidation-reduction reactions of the carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism (PubMed:20463145, PubMed:22864630, PubMed:23243084, PubMed:24253200, PubMed:27702554).
Humans are unable to synthesize vitamin B2/riboflavin and must obtain it via intestinal absorption (PubMed:20463145).
May also act as a receptor for 4-hydroxybutyrate (Probable).
(Microbial infection) In case of infection by retroviruses, acts as a cell receptor to retroviral envelopes similar to the porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV-A).

Biological Process

Biological Process riboflavin metabolic processTAS:Reactome
Biological Process riboflavin transportManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:UniProtKB

Cellular Location

Cell membrane

Involvement in disease

Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome 2 (BVVLS2):
An autosomal recessive progressive neurologic disorder characterized by early childhood onset of sensorineural deafness, bulbar dysfunction, and severe diffuse muscle weakness and wasting resulting in respiratory insufficiency and loss of independent ambulation. Because it results from a defect in riboflavin metabolism, some patients may benefit from high-dose riboflavin supplementation.