Solute carrier family 7 member 1 (cationic amino acid transporter 1) (SLC7A1)

Solute carrier family 7 member 1 (SLC7A1), commonly known as cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT-1), is a high-affinity, sodium-independent transporter located in the plasma membrane of many cell types[1][2][3]. It is responsible for the uptake and regulation of cationic amino acids, particularly L-arginine, L-lysine, and L-histidine, which are crucial for a variety of cellular processes including protein synthesis, nitric oxide production, and metabolic signaling pathways such as mTORC1[1][2]. SLC7A1 is essential for vascular endothelial function, cellular proliferation, immune response, and red blood cell development[1][2]. Dysregulation or genetic variants of SLC7A1 are associated with numerous diseases, including hypertension, cancer, muscular dystrophy, and metabolic and inflammatory conditions[1]. SLC7A1’s pivotal transport role also makes it critical in the maintenance of normal endothelial activity, cardiovascular health, and tumor cell metabolism[1][2]. It is part of the SLC7 transporter family (CAT subfamily) and operates mainly as a monomer, mediating sodium-independent transport[2][3].

Other names

Cationic amino acid transporter 1CAT-1CAT1ATRC1ERRHCAT1REC1LHigh affinity cationic amino acid transporter 1Ecotropic retroviral leukemia receptor homologEcotropic retroviral receptor homologSystem Y+ basic amino acid transporterAmino acid transporter, cationic 1

Transport inhibitors may competitively block cationic amino acid binding and uptake[2]. Competitive inhibition or substrate competition (L-arginine, ADMA, L-homoarginine, etc.)[1][2]. Allosteric modulation affecting transporter localization or kinetic regulation[1].