SLC13A4 and retinopathy of prematurity: A sulfate-specific transporter, SLC13A4, is expressed in placental syncytiotrophoblasts.21 22 Targeted disruption of the Slc13a4 gene in mice leads to fetal sulfate deficiency and severe developmental phenotypes that increase in severity as gestation progresses, including perturbed vessel formation and haemorrhage.15 23 Similarities to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes and vascular abnormalities (intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and capillary haemangiomas) among preterm infants suggest a potential origin in postnatal sulfate deficiency.