Alanine, Serine, Cysteine Transporter 2 (ASCT2)

The term "A-type amino acid transporter" is a non-standard and ambiguous designation. It most commonly refers to members of the solute carrier (SLC) family involved in neutral amino acid transport, such as ASCT2 (SLC1A5). ASCT2 is a neutral amino acid transporter primarily responsible for glutamine uptake and amino acid pool harmonization, playing significant roles in cancer and cell metabolism. The term might also implicitly refer to heteromeric amino acid transporters like b(0,+)AT1-rBAT (SLC7A9/SLC3A1), which is crucial for the reabsorption of cystine and dibasic amino acids, and whose dysfunction leads to cystinuria. Both ASCT2 and b(0,+)AT1-rBAT are recognized therapeutic targets, particularly in oncology, metabolic disorders, and inherited diseases. The ambiguous "A-type" designation should always be clarified by using the specific canonical target names for accurate scientific and clinical communication.

Other names

A-type amino acid transporterSLC1A5System ASC transporterNeutral amino acid transporterAlanine, Serine, Cysteine Transporter 2SLC7A9/SLC3A1 complexHeteromeric amino acid transporterHATb(0,+)AT1-rBAT

Competitive inhibition of amino acid transport, blockade of substrate binding pocket, disruption of transporter trafficking or maturation.