Solute carrier family 7 member 2 (SLC7A2)

Solute carrier family 7 member 2 is a membrane transporter protein that mediates the uptake of cationic amino acids, particularly arginine, lysine, and ornithine, across the plasma membrane in a sodium- and pH-independent manner. It plays an essential role in immune cell metabolism, especially in macrophages, serving as a key modulator of inflammatory processes via regulation of nitric oxide and polyamine production. SLC7A2 is inducible and exists in multiple splice isoforms with different substrate affinities. Its expression influences cell proliferation, migration, and immune responses, with implications for cancer progression (notably ovarian and colon cancer), infectious diseases, and inflammatory conditions. Reduced expression of SLC7A2 correlates with increased tumor cell viability, invasion, and poorer prognosis in several cancers.

Other names

CAT-2ATRC2cationic amino acid transporter 2

Modulation of transporter function to alter amino acid availability and downstream metabolic pathways (e.g., nitric oxide synthesis in immune responses).