{"type": "root", "children": [{"type": "p", "children": [{"type": "t", "text": "\nMFSD2A is a key sodium‐dependent transporter that imports docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and other long‐chain fatty acids in the form of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) across the blood–brain barrier. This activity is essential for brain growth, neuronal maintenance, and neurogenesis, with mutations or reduced transporter activity causing microcephaly, intellectual disability, and severe neurological deficits in both humans and experimental models. Structural and biochemical studies have further revealed unique features of MFSD2A that underpin its lipid “flipping” mechanism and regulation of de novo lipogenesis in the brain."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_fs", "start_ref": "1", "end_ref": "7"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": "\n\n"}, {"type": "p", "children": [{"type": "t", "text": "\nIn the placenta, MFSD2A assumes an additional critical role by acting as the receptor for the endogenous retroviral envelope protein Syncytin‐2, thereby promoting trophoblast fusion and proper placental morphogenesis. Its lipid transport function also enables the maternal–fetal transfer of DHA, ensuring that the developing fetus receives this essential fatty acid. Altered expression of MFSD2A in the placenta has been observed in conditions such as gestational diabetes and fetal growth restriction, underscoring its importance in establishing the nutrient environment required for fetal brain development."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_fs", "start_ref": "8", "end_ref": "13"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": "\n\n"}, {"type": "p", "children": [{"type": "t", "text": "\nBeyond its fundamental roles in neurodevelopment and placentation, MFSD2A is involved in a range of additional physiological processes. It helps regulate transcytosis at the blood–brain barrier, a feature that not only maintains barrier integrity but also offers a potential gateway for therapeutic drug delivery. Moreover, MFSD2A has been implicated as a transporter for molecules such as tunicamycin, in adaptive thermogenesis (notably in brown adipose tissue), and in the lipid metabolic control of gut endothelial cells. Genetic polymorphisms and altered expression of MFSD2A have been associated with various pathologies, including certain cancers and diabetic retinopathy, while post‐translational regulation (for example, by ubiquitination) further modulates its function."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_fs", "start_ref": "14", "end_ref": "25"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": ""}]}]}]}, {"type": "rg", "children": [{"type": "r", "ref": 1, "children": [{"type": "t", "text": "Vafa Alakbarzade, Abdul Hameed, Debra Q Y Quek, et al. 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