Solute carrier family 1 member 4 (SLC1A4) (SLC1A4)

Solute carrier family 1 member 4 (SLC1A4), commonly referred to as Neutral amino acid transporter 1 or ASCT1, is a sodium-dependent amino acid exchanger that plays a pivotal role in the central nervous system [1, 2]. It primarily mediates the transport of small neutral amino acids, including L-serine, L-alanine, L-cysteine, and L-threonine, across the membranes of astrocytes and neurons [1, 3]. By regulating the availability of L-serine, SLC1A4 indirectly influences the production of D-serine, which is a critical co-agonist for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors involved in synaptic plasticity and memory [4, 5]. Genetic mutations in SLC1A4 lead to SLC1A4 deficiency syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by microcephaly, seizures, and significant developmental delays [6, 7]. Furthermore, altered expression or function of this transporter has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, likely through the modulation of glutamatergic signaling [8]. Although no specific pharmacological inhibitors are currently in clinical use, L-serine supplementation is employed as a therapeutic strategy for patients with SLC1A4 deficiency [9].

Other names

ASCT1SATTNeutral amino acid transporter 1Alanine/serine/cysteine/threonine transporter 1

Substrate replacement therapy for deficiency states and competitive inhibition of amino acid transport in research settings.