Sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine symporter 1 (Mfsd2a)

Sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) symporter, which plays an essential role for blood-brain barrier formation and function (PubMed:24828044, PubMed:24828040). Specifically expressed in endothelium of the blood-brain barrier of micro-vessels and transports LPC into the brain.

Transport of LPC is essential because it constitutes the significant mechanism by which docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for normal brain growth and cognitive function, enters the brain. Transports LPC carrying long-chain fatty acids such LPC oleate and LPC palmitate with a minimum acyl chain length of 14 carbons.