Amino acid transporter (AAT) (AAT)

Amino acid transporters (AATs) are a diverse group of membrane-bound proteins, primarily belonging to the Solute Carrier (SLC) superfamily, that facilitate the movement of amino acids across cellular and organelle membranes [1]. These transporters are essential for maintaining cellular nutrient levels, regulating metabolic pathways such as the mTORC1 signaling cascade, and managing the concentrations of neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA in the synaptic cleft [2, 3]. In many cancers, specific transporters such as LAT1 (SLC7A5) and ASCT2 (SLC1A5) are significantly upregulated to support the high metabolic demands and rapid proliferation of tumor cells, making them prominent targets for therapeutic intervention [4]. Beyond oncology, mutations in AAT genes are linked to various inherited metabolic disorders, including Hartnup disease and cystinuria, as well as neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions [5]. Current pharmacological strategies include the use of small-molecule inhibitors to block amino acid uptake in tumors and the development of modulators to restore neurotransmitter homeostasis in the brain [6]. However, targeting these transporters presents challenges, particularly regarding the potential for systemic toxicity and the need to maintain essential amino acid delivery to healthy tissues [7].

Other names

Solute carrier (SLC) transportersAmino acid permeasesNeutral amino acid transportersCationic amino acid transportersSystem L transportersSystem ASC transporters

Competitive inhibition of substrate binding sites, non-competitive inhibition of transport activity, and modulation of transporter expression or trafficking to the cell membrane.