Physiological amino acid transport and metabolic pathways

Physiological amino acid transport and metabolic pathways represent the collective network of proteins and biochemical reactions responsible for the uptake, distribution, and utilization of amino acids throughout the body (Bröer & Bröer, 2017). This system is primarily composed of solute carrier (SLC) transporters, such as the Large Neutral Amino Acids Transporter 1 (LAT1/SLC7A5), and metabolic enzymes like glutaminase (GLS) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) (Kandasamy et al., 2018). These pathways are vital for protein synthesis, nitrogen balance, and the regulation of the mTOR signaling pathway, which coordinates cell growth with nutrient availability. In many diseases, particularly oncology, these pathways are hijacked; for instance, cancer cells often exhibit "glutamine addiction" to support their increased metabolic and biosynthetic needs (Vadevoo et al., 2021). Consequently, various components of these pathways are targeted by drugs like L-asparaginase, which depletes extracellular asparagine, or small-molecule inhibitors of specific transporters and enzymes. However, because these pathways are ubiquitous and essential for normal organ function, therapeutic intervention requires precise targeting to avoid significant side effects such as metabolic imbalance or neurotoxicity.

Other names

Amino acid metabolismAmino acid transport systemsAmino acid homeostasis

Modulation of amino acid availability through the inhibition of specific solute carrier (SLC) transporters or metabolic enzymes involved in catabolism and biosynthesis (Kandasamy et al., 2018; Vadevoo et al., 2021).