SLC3A1 : solute carrier family 3 member 1
Description
The SLC3A1 (solute carrier family 3 member 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 2.
The SLC3A1 gene provides instructions for producing one part (subunit) of a protein made primarily in the kidneys. This subunit joins with another protein subunit, produced from the SLC7A9 gene, to form a transporter protein complex. During the process of urine formation in the kidneys, this protein complex absorbs particular protein building blocks (amino acids) back into the blood. In particular, the amino acids cystine, ornithine, arginine, and lysine are absorbed back into the blood through this mechanism.
The SLC3A1 gene provides instructions for producing one part (subunit) of a protein made primarily in the kidneys. This subunit joins with another protein subunit, produced from the SLC7A9 gene, to form a transporter protein complex. During the process of urine formation in the kidneys, this protein complex absorbs particular protein building blocks (amino acids) back into the blood. In particular, the amino acids cystine, ornithine, arginine, and lysine are absorbed back into the blood through this mechanism. The SLC3A1 protein acts as a chaperone that facilitates the production and transport of functional transporter complexes to the cell membrane. These complexes then mediate the exchange of amino acids, specifically cationic amino acids and neutral amino acids, across the cell membrane. The SLC3A1-SLC7A9 complex is particularly important for the reabsorption of cystine and dibasic amino acids in the early proximal tubules of the kidneys. In addition, the SLC3A1-SLC7A13 complex may play a role in the reabsorption of cystine in the late proximal tubules. This complex facilitates the transport of anionic and neutral amino acids across the cell membrane.
SLC3A1 is also known as ATR1, CSNU1, D2H, NBAT, RBAT.
