Slc5a8, Smct, Smct1, Sodium-coupled monocarboxylate transporter 1, Electrogenic sodium monocarboxylate cotransporter, Solute carrier family 5 member 8

Acts as an electrogenic sodium (Na(+)) and chloride (Cl-)-dependent sodium-coupled solute transporter, including transport of monocarboxylates (short-chain fatty acids including L-lactate, D-lactate, pyruvate, acetate, propionate, valerate and butyrate), lactate, mocarboxylate drugs (nicotinate, benzoate, salicylate and 5-aminosalicylate) and ketone bodies (beta-D-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate and alpha-ketoisocaproate), with a Na(+):substrate stoichiometry of between 4:1 and 2:1. Catalyzes passive carrier mediated diffusion of iodide. Mediates iodide transport from the thyrocyte into the colloid lumen through the apical membrane. May be responsible for the absorption of D-lactate and monocarboxylate drugs from the intestinal tract. May play a critical role in the entry of L-lactate and ketone bodies into neurons by a process driven by an electrochemical Na(+) gradient and hence contribute to the maintenance of the energy status and function of neurons.