Sodium- and chloride-dependent neutral and basic amino acid transporter B(0+) (SLC6A14)

Sodium- and chloride-dependent neutral and basic amino acid transporter B(0+) (SLC6A14) is a plasma membrane transporter in the solute carrier 6 family that mediates the uptake of a broad range of neutral and basic amino acids, excluding only aspartate and glutamate[4]. It couples the transport of these amino acids with sodium and chloride ions, allowing high-capacity and concentrative amino acid uptake. SLC6A14 is normally expressed in select tissues, including the intestine and lung, and is notably upregulated in several cancers such as pancreatic, colon, breast, and cervical cancers[1][3][4][5]. Upregulation in tumors supports their increased amino acid demand for rapid growth. Pharmacological blockade of SLC6A14 impairs amino acid availability, thereby reducing cancer cell proliferation and viability, and this effect has been shown preclinically using the blocker α-methyltryptophan[1][3][4]. High SLC6A14 expression serves as a prognostic biomarker in several cancers. Additionally, SLC6A14 can serve as a target for selective imaging or therapeutic delivery, making it an appealing candidate for cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy[4][5].

Other names

SLC6A14Amino acid transporter ATB0+Amino acid transporter B0+BMIQ11Solute carrier family 6 member 14Sodium- and chloride-dependent neutral and basic amino acid transporter B(0+)

Competitive blockade of amino acid uptake (e.g., α-MT acts as a blocker). Induction of amino acid starvation in tumor cells. Inhibition leads to cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and decreased cell proliferation, especially in cancer. Potential utility as a transporter for targeted drug or prodrug delivery.