Sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1 (SLC38A1)

Sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1 (SLC38A1, SNAT1) is a membrane-bound transporter belonging to the solute carrier (SLC) family 38. It mediates the uptake of small neutral amino acids, with a predominant role in glutamine import. SLC38A1 functions using a sodium-dependent mechanism and is expressed in numerous human tissues such as the brain, testis, placenta, endocrine organs, and gastrointestinal tract. In cancer cells, SNAT1 is often upregulated to meet increased nutrient requirements, thereby supporting proliferation, migration, and invasion, and preventing senescence. SNAT1 also regulates metabolic and signaling pathways, including mTORC1 activation and glutathione synthesis, critical for cell survival and growth. Its inhibition (e.g., via MeAIB) can suppress tumor cell proliferation, highlighting its status as a potential therapeutic target for cancer and other metabolic or neurological diseases

Other names

SNAT1ATA1NAT2SAT1Amino acid transporter A1System A amino acid transporter 1System N amino acid transporter 1Sodium-coupled neutral amino acid symporter 1N-system amino acid transporter 2

Competitive inhibition of amino acid transport (e.g., MeAIB blocks SNAT1-mediated glutamine and neutral amino acid uptake)