Sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 3 (SLC38A3)

Sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 3 (SLC38A3/SNAT3) is a plasma membrane transporter responsible for the electroneutral cotransport of neutral amino acids (primarily glutamine, histidine, and asparagine) together with sodium ions, coupled to proton antiport. It is highly expressed in the brain (astrocytes and blood-brain barrier), liver, kidney, heart, and skeletal muscle. In the CNS, it enables the glutamate–GABA–glutamine cycle essential for neurotransmitter recycling. In the kidney and liver, it facilitates ammonia detoxification and supports acid-base balance via renal ammoniagenesis. SLC38A3 is also implicated in glucose metabolism, nitrogen balance, and may play pathophysiological roles in conditions such as epilepsy, glioma, and metabolic acidosis. Dysfunction or altered expression of SLC38A3 has direct disease relevance in neurodevelopmental and metabolic disorders[1][2][4][6].

Other names

SLC38A3SNAT3SN1NAT1G17N-system amino acid transporter 1Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 3Solute carrier family 38 member 3System N amino acid transporter 1Sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 3

Amino acid transport modulation via sodium-coupled symport and H+ antiport activity. Drug mechanisms, if developed, would likely inhibit or modulate glutamine transport to affect neurotransmitter cycling, nitrogen metabolism, or cell proliferation.