NTCP Q68R is a variant located inside of a Na + binding pocket and can indirectly affect NTCP function by altering the precise geometry required for BAs binding. 6 One hypothesis is that by potentially increasing affinity for negatively charged substrates, Q68R variant affects protein transport dynamics. ( Fig. 4 and 5 ) Further assessment of Q68R variant in a BAs uptake assay showed a near complete inhibition of BAs (specifically Taurocholic Acid or TCA) uptake in transiently transfected U2OS cells, confirming findings in 3D model and corresponding to the mechanism of interest for AX-0810 program ( Fig. 6 ).