The function of SLC26A2 (solute carrier family 26 member 2, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000155850) is as follows. Sulfate transporter which mediates sulfate uptake into chondrocytes in order to maintain adequate sulfation of proteoglycans which is needed for cartilage development (PubMed:11448940, PubMed:15294877, PubMed:20219950, PubMed:7923357). Mediates electroneutral anion exchange of sulfate ions for oxalate ions and of sulfate and oxalate ions for chloride ions (PubMed:20219950). Mediates exchange of sulfate and oxalate ions for hydroxyl ions and of chloride ions for bromide, iodide and nitrate ions (By similarity). The coupling of sulfate transport to both hydroxyl and chloride ions likely serves to ensure transport at both acidic pH when most sulfate uptake is mediated by sulfate-hydroxide exchange and alkaline pH when most sulfate uptake is mediated by sulfate-chloride exchange (By similarity). Essential for chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation and cell size expansion (By similarity). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q62273, ECO:0000269|PubMed:11448940, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15294877, ECO:0000269|PubMed:20219950, ECO:0000269|PubMed:7923357}.