OATP1B1/1B3 deficiency exacerbates hyperbilirubinemia in erythropoietic protoporphyria.

ABSTRACT: Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in ferrochelatase (FECH), leading to the accumulation of its substrate, protoporphyrin IX (PPIX). PPIX is primarily produced in the bone marrow and transported to the liver for excretion. Because PPIX is hydrophobic, its elevated levels can cause bile duct blockage, cholestatic liver injury, and even liver failure. However, the specific transporter responsible for PPIX uptake into hepatocytes remains unclear. The OATP1B1/1B3 transporters, which are expressed in hepatocytes, facilitate the uptake of coproporphyrin III, a structural analog of PPIX. Additionally, OATP1B1/1B3 mediates the uptake of bilirubin, a biomarker of liver injury, from plasma into the liver for excretion. Therefore, we aimed to determine the rol

SUBMITTER: Gu R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12405900 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature