Tissues with few or no mitochondria, such as erythrocytes and tumor cells, depend largely on glycolysis to generate ATP. The major end products of glycolysis, pyruvate and lactate, must be eliminated from these cells to enable continued glycolytic flux and prevent toxic effects. H+/monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) mediate the transport of lactate and pyruvate. Human MCT2 has a high affinity for the transport of pyruvate (summary by Lin et al., 1998 [PubMed 9786900]).[supplied by OMIM]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.
Proton-linked monocarboxylate transporter. Catalyzes the rapid transport across the plasma membrane of many monocarboxylates such as lactate, pyruvate, branched-chain oxo acids derived from leucine, valine and isoleucine, and the ketone bodies acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetate. MCT2 is a high affinity pyruvate transporter.