SLC5A6 is a 635 amino acid protein that belongs to the sodium-coupled glucose transporter family. SMVT contains 12 putative transmembrane domains with the N and C termini both facing towards the cytoplasm. Its function is to transport the essential vitamins pantothenate, biotin, and the metabolite lipoate into cells of various human tissues. Biotin, also known as vitamin B6, is important in synthesizing fatty acids gluconeogenesis, and metabolizing leucine, while pantothenate, or vitamin B5, is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Lipoate is involved in oxidative metabolism.