SLC54 Mitochondrial pyruvate carriers (version 2020.5) in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology Database

Pyruvate is oxidized to acetyl‐CoA by pyruvate dehydrogenase which is localized in the mitochondrial matrix. The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) is a hetero-oligomer composed of SLC54 family members (MPC1 and MPC2). The MPC is expressed in the inner mitochondrial membrane and involved in the import of pyruvate into mitochondria [1, 5]. Ubiquitous disruption of either MPC1 or MPC2 expression results in embryonic lethality [7, 8]. Clinically relevant concentrations of the insulin sensitizers, thiazolidinediones, specifically inhibit the MPC [3].