ergothioneine(EGT)

Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid and is a thiourea derivative of histidine, containing a sulfur atom on the imidazole ring.

This compound is made in relatively few organisms, notably Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and certain fungi.

Ergothioneine requires a specific transporter, ETT, also known as OCTN1 (gene symbol SLC22A4), to enter cells.

ETT expression has been confirmed in human and animal cell lines and its functional ability to transport ergothioneine has been confirmed in vivo.