Advances in studies of ileal apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter

Bile acids play critical roles in the regulation of metabolism and absorption of lipids. The ileal apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) located at the enterocyte brush border is responsible for the reuptake of bile acids and the maintenance of bile acid homeostasis. Recently, a number of investigations have been made concerning the regulation and control of ASBT and the relationship between ASBT and intestinal inflammation, tumorigenesis, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipemia, which suggests ASBT as a potential therapeutic target of these diseases. In this review, advances in the study of above-mentioned issues were summarized.