Large neutral amino acid transporter small subunit 2 (LAT2)

Large neutral amino acid transporter small subunit 2 (LAT2, also known as SLC7A8) is a sodium-independent, broad-specificity transporter of neutral amino acids, thyroid hormones, and certain amino acid-like xenobiotics. LAT2 forms a heterodimeric complex with the heavy chain escort protein SLC3A2 (also known as CD98hc/4F2hc) to function at the plasma membrane. It operates primarily through obligatory exchange (antiport) of amino acids, balancing intracellular and extracellular amino acid levels, rather than mediating net uptake. LAT2 is broadly expressed, with highest levels in the kidney, and also found in the intestine, placenta, blood-brain barrier, and various peripheral tissues. Major physiological roles include renal reabsorption and transcellular transport of neutral amino acids, participation in maternal–fetal amino acid transfer, support of metabolic signaling pathways such as mTOR, and involvement in amino acid homeostasis in the brain. LAT2 has a limited but emerging interest as a therapeutic cancer target, and although no specific clinical inhibitors exist, some compounds (such as BCH) inhibit its transport activity in vitro. Loss-of-function mutations are associated with moderate aminoaciduria and are not generally linked to life-threatening diseases, reflecting physiologic redundancy with other transporters.

Other names

SLC7A8hLAT2L-type amino acid transporter 2LPI-PC1Solute carrier family 7 member 8Integral membrane protein E16HLarge neutral amino acids transporter small subunit 2

Drugs or compounds act by inhibiting (BCH, GPNA) or competing with neutral amino acid substrates for antiport (exchange) across the plasma membrane. Modulation of amino acid supply and metabolic signaling (e.g., mTOR pathway).