OST-beta together with OST-alpha is able to transport estrone sulfate, taurocholate, digoxin, and prostaglandin E2 across cell membranes.[6][7] The Ost-alpha / Ost-beta heterodimer, but not the individual subunits, stimulates sodium-independent bile acid uptake.[7] The heterodimer furthermore is essential for intestinal bile acid transport.[8]
OST-alpha and OST-beta have high expression in the testis, colon, liver, small intestine, kidney, ovary, and adrenal gland.[6]
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Boyer JL, Trauner M, Mennone A, et al. (2006). "Upregulation of a basolateral FXR-dependent bile acid efflux transporter OSTalpha-OSTbeta in cholestasis in humans and rodents". Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 290 (6): G1124–30. doi:10.1152/ajpgi.00539.2005. PMID16423920. S2CID86156271.