Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/slc6a19/

SLC6A19 gene

solute carrier family 6 member 19

Normal Function

The SLC6A19 gene provides instructions for making a protein called system B(0) neutral amino acid transporter 1 (B0AT1). This protein transports certain protein building blocks (amino acids), namely those with a neutral charge, into cells. B0AT1 is found primarily in the membrane of intestinal cells that make up the brush border, which lines the walls of the intestine and absorbs nutrients from food. B0AT1 transports the neutral amino acids from food into intestinal cells; from there the amino acids are released into the bloodstream to be used by the body. B0AT1 is also found in the membrane of kidney cells, specifically in cells of the proximal tubules, which are structures that help to reabsorb nutrients and other materials into the blood and excrete unneeded substances into the urine. In the kidneys, B0AT1 reabsorbs neutral amino acids into the bloodstream so they are not released in urine.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Hartnup disease

At least 23 mutations in the SLC6A19 gene have been found to cause Hartnup disease. This condition is characterized by increased levels of amino acids in the urine (aminoaciduria). Some individuals have episodes during which they exhibit skin rashes or movement or cognitive problems. Most of the mutations that cause Hartnup disease change single amino acids in the B0AT1 protein, reducing its activity. A mutation that has been identified in multiple affected families replaces the amino acid aspartic acid with the amino acid asparagine at position 173 in the protein (written as Asp173Asn or D173N).

The reduced B0AT1 activity leads to large amounts of neutral amino acids being removed from the body as waste. As a result, affected individuals are lacking (deficient) in certain amino acids and vitamins. Most affected people get the nutrients they need from a well-balanced diet. However, some individuals are nutrient-deficient due to their diet, illness, stress, or a variety of other reasons and can develop skin rashes or movement or psychiatric problems. Researchers believe that many of these features are related to a deficiency of vitamin B3 (niacin) and one of its main components, the amino acid tryptophan.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • B0AT1
  • HND
  • sodium-dependent amino acid transporter system B0
  • sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter B(0)AT1
  • solute carrier family 6 (neutral amino acid transporter), member 19
  • system B(0) neutral amino acid transporter AT1
  • system B0 neutral amino acid transporter

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Azmanov DN, Rodgers H, Auray-Blais C, Giguere R, Bailey C, Broer S, Rasko JE, Cavanaugh JA. Persistence of the common Hartnup disease D173N allele in populations of European origin. Ann Hum Genet. 2007 Nov;71(Pt 6):755-61. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-1809.2007.00375.x. Epub 2007 Jun 7. Citation on PubMed
  • Broer S. The role of the neutral amino acid transporter B0AT1 (SLC6A19) in Hartnup disorder and protein nutrition. IUBMB Life. 2009 Jun;61(6):591-9. doi: 10.1002/iub.210. Citation on PubMed
  • Camargo SM, Singer D, Makrides V, Huggel K, Pos KM, Wagner CA, Kuba K, Danilczyk U, Skovby F, Kleta R, Penninger JM, Verrey F. Tissue-specific amino acid transporter partners ACE2 and collectrin differentially interact with hartnup mutations. Gastroenterology. 2009 Mar;136(3):872-82. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2008.10.055. Epub 2008 Oct 29. Citation on PubMed
  • Kleta R, Romeo E, Ristic Z, Ohura T, Stuart C, Arcos-Burgos M, Dave MH, Wagner CA, Camargo SR, Inoue S, Matsuura N, Helip-Wooley A, Bockenhauer D, Warth R, Bernardini I, Visser G, Eggermann T, Lee P, Chairoungdua A, Jutabha P, Babu E, Nilwarangkoon S, Anzai N, Kanai Y, Verrey F, Gahl WA, Koizumi A. Mutations in SLC6A19, encoding B0AT1, cause Hartnup disorder. Nat Genet. 2004 Sep;36(9):999-1002. doi: 10.1038/ng1405. Epub 2004 Aug 1. Citation on PubMed
  • Seow HF, Broer S, Broer A, Bailey CG, Potter SJ, Cavanaugh JA, Rasko JE. Hartnup disorder is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the neutral amino acid transporter SLC6A19. Nat Genet. 2004 Sep;36(9):1003-7. doi: 10.1038/ng1406. Epub 2004 Aug 1. Citation on PubMed

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.