Other neutral amino acid transporters

Other neutral amino acid transporters refers to a heterogeneous group of solute carrier (SLC) proteins that facilitate the movement of neutral amino acids across biological membranes, distinct from the primary System A, N, and L transporters. This group primarily includes members of the SLC6 family, such as SLC6A19 (B0AT1), SLC6A15 (B0AT2), and SLC6A14 (ATB0,+), as well as the SLC36 family of proton-coupled amino acid transporters (PATs) [1][2]. These proteins are vital for the absorption of essential amino acids in the gut, their reabsorption in the kidneys, and their transport across the blood-brain barrier [3]. For instance, SLC6A19 is the major transporter for neutral amino acids in the intestine, and its deficiency leads to Hartnup disease, a condition characterized by skin rashes and cerebellar ataxia due to tryptophan depletion [4]. In oncology, SLC6A14 is frequently upregulated in cancers of the breast, colon, and pancreas to satisfy the increased demand for amino acids required for rapid proliferation [5]. Therapeutic strategies targeting these transporters include the development of SLC6A19 inhibitors for treating metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes, and SLC6A14 inhibitors as potential anti-cancer agents [6][7]. However, the high degree of homology among SLC transporters and their broad expression patterns pose significant challenges for achieving drug selectivity and avoiding systemic toxicity [8].

Other names

SLC transportersNeutral amino acid permeasesNon-system A/N/L neutral amino acid transportersB0AT transportersProton-coupled amino acid transporters

Inhibition of amino acid transport via competitive or non-competitive binding to the transporter's substrate-binding site, thereby reducing the intracellular availability of specific neutral amino acids and modulating downstream metabolic or signaling pathways.