Essential Amino Acid Transporter (EAAT)

Essential amino acid transporters are membrane proteins that facilitate the uptake and transcellular movement of essential amino acids, which are crucial for cellular function and cannot be synthesized de novo. These transporters, including LAT1 (SLC7A5) and heteromeric amino acid transporters (HATs), utilize mechanisms like uniport and antiport to maintain amino acid homeostasis. They play critical roles in nutrient absorption, barrier crossing (e.g., blood-brain barrier), and metabolic sensing. Dysfunction can lead to genetic diseases, while overexpression is observed in cancers, making them potential therapeutic targets. Expression is often high in tissues with active nutrient exchange and can be upregulated during cancer progression or immune activation.

Other names

L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1LAT1SLC7A5Heteromeric Amino Acid TransportersHATs

Inhibition of amino acid transport