Defective SLC26A4 causes Pendred syndrome (PDS)

Solute carrier (SLC) genes that code chloride (Cl-)/bicarbonate (HCO3-) exchanger proteins are in the SLC4 and SLC26 families. SLC26A4 (pendrin) is thought to act as a chloride/anion exchanger but in the thyroid and inner ear, it also contributes to the conditioning of the endolymphatic fluid by mediating iodide (I-) transport. Defects in SLC26A4 can cause Pendred syndrome (PDS; MIM:274600), an autosomal recessive disorder characterised by congenital sensorineural hearing loss in association with thyroid goiter.

Summary from Reactome (R-HSA-5619046), read 2026-09-23.