SLC10A2 plays a critical role in reabsorption of bile acids from the the small intestine lumen. Passive flow of sodium ions down their concentration gradient is coupled to bile acid movement, resulting in an increase in the concentration of bile acids in the interior of the cell. This action conserves the body's pool of re-circulating bile acid. SLC10A2 also plays a key role in cholesterol metabolism as cholesterol is the precursor molecule in bile acid synthesis mediated by CYP7A and FXR.