Background of the antigen
Tissues with few or no mitochondria, such as erythrocytes and tumor cells, depend largely on glycolysis to generate ATP. The major end products of glycolysis, pyruvate and lactate, must be eliminated from these cells to enable continued glycolytic flux and prevent toxic effects. H+/monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) mediate the transport of lactate and pyruvate. Human MCT2 has a high affinity for the transport of pyruvate (summary by Lin et al., 1998 [PubMed 9786900]).[supplied by OMIM, Feb 2011].