Type: | Family | Name: | Prestin |
Description: | Prestin (SLC26A5) belongs to the mammalian SLC26 family of anion transporters []. However, unlike other SLC26 family members with the ability of transporting anions across the cell membrane, prestin primarily functions as a motor protein, and its transport capability is significantly diminished during evolution []. Prestin is a membrane protein responsible for the cellular electromotility of cochlear outer hair cells, which is essential for normal hearing sensitivity [, ]. Prestin senses voltage and binds anions for induction of conformational changes, functioning as a voltage-based molecular motor [, , ]. | Short Name: | Prestin |