Solute carrier family 43 member 2 (LAT4) (SLC43A2)

Solute carrier family 43 member 2 (SLC43A2), also known as Large Neutral Amino Acids Transporter 4 (LAT4), is a sodium-independent uniporter that facilitates the transport of essential neutral amino acids like leucine and phenylalanine across the plasma membrane (UniProt Q8N370). It is a member of the solute carrier family 43 and is primarily expressed in the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells in the kidney, small intestine, and placenta (PubMed: 11598138). The biological function of SLC43A2 is critical for nutrient sensing, as it helps regulate the intracellular concentration of leucine, which in turn activates the mTORC1 signaling pathway to promote cell growth (PubMed: 26439179). In the context of disease, SLC43A2 is frequently overexpressed in various cancers, where it supports the high metabolic demands and rapid proliferation of tumor cells (PubMed: 30217964). Because of its role in tumor metabolism, SLC43A2 is considered a promising therapeutic target for metabolic reprogramming in oncology. While there are currently no FDA-approved drugs specifically targeting this molecule, experimental approaches such as RNA interference (targeting SLC43A2 mRNA) and small molecule inhibitors like BCH have shown potential in preclinical studies. Therapeutic challenges include the potential for systemic toxicity, particularly regarding placental nutrient transfer and renal amino acid reabsorption. Monitoring SLC43A2 mRNA or protein expression levels can serve as a biomarker for identifying patients who may benefit from such targeted therapies.

Other names

LAT4Large neutral amino acids transporter small subunit 4SLC43A2

Competitive inhibition of amino acid transport or RNA interference-mediated degradation of mRNA transcripts to reduce protein expression.