Species Human Entrez 84879 | Human Mouse Ensembl ENSG00000168389 | |
Aliases MFSD2A, MFSD2, NLS1, MCPH15, major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A External IDs MGI: 1923824 HomoloGene: 19229 GeneCards: MFSD2A | ||
Major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein 2 (MFSD2 or MFSD2A), also known as sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine symporter 1, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MFSD2A gene. MFSD2A is a membrane transport protein that is expressed in the endothilium of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and has an essential role in BBB formation and function. Genetic ablation of MFSD2A results in leaky BBB and increases central nervous system endothelial cell vesicular transcytosis without otherwise affecting tight junctions.
In addition to transport of other lysophosphatidylcholines across the BBB, MSFD2A is the primary mechanism for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid) uptake and transport into the brain. It may also be responsible for uptake and transport of tunicamycin.