Glycoprotein formation in the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum relies on the accumulation of nucleotide-conjugated sugars via the SLC35 family of transporters. These transporters have a predicted topology of 10 TM domains, with cytoplasmic termini, and function as exchangers, swopping nucleoside monophosphates for the corresponding nucleoside diphosphate conjugated sugar. Five subfamilies of transporters have been identified on the basis of sequence similarity, namely SLC35A1, SLC35A2, SLC35A3, SLC35A4 and SLC35A5; SLC35B1, SLC35B2, SLC35B3 and SLC35B4; SLC35C1 and SLC35C2; SLC35D1, SL35D1, SLC35D2 and SLC35D3, and the subfamily of orphan SLC35 transporters, SLC35E1-4 and SLC35F1-5.

* Key recommended reading is highlighted with an asterisk

* Ishida N, Kawakita M. (2004) Molecular physiology and pathology of the nucleotide sugar transporter family (SLC35). Pflugers Arch, 447 (5): 768-75. [PMID:12759756]

* Orellana A, Moraga C, Araya M, Moreno A. (2016) Overview of Nucleotide Sugar Transporter Gene Family Functions Across Multiple Species. J Mol Biol, 428 (16): 3150-3165. [PMID:27261257]

* Song Z. (2013) Roles of the nucleotide sugar transporters (SLC35 family) in health and disease. Mol Aspects Med, 34 (2-3): 590-600. [PMID:23506892]

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