Solute carrier family 7 member 11 protein (SLC7A11 (also known as xCT))

Solute carrier family 7 member 11 protein (SLC7A11, xCT) is a sodium-independent cystine-glutamate antiporter that imports cystine into cells and exports glutamate, functioning as a key component of the system Xc- transporter. It plays a central role in glutathione biosynthesis, protecting cells from oxidative stress. Its expression is tightly regulated and highly relevant in cancer (where it promotes tumor growth and therapy resistance), neurobiology (modulating excitatory neurotransmission), male fertility (critical for cysteine/glutathione homeostasis in Sertoli cells), and other stress-response contexts. SLC7A11 is also a biomarker for prognosis in several cancers and a therapeutic target whose inhibition can promote cell death via ferroptosis

Other names

xCTCystine/glutamate transportersystem Xc-cystine/glutamate antiporter

Inhibition of SLC7A11 reduces cystine uptake and depletes glutathione, promoting oxidative-stress-induced cell death (ferroptosis). Drugs inhibiting SLC7A11 sensitize cancer cells to oxidative stress. Overexpression protects cells from oxidative damage but can also make cells vulnerable to certain stresses (e.g., H₂O₂ at high expression levels)