SLC7A7 : solute carrier family 7 member 7
Description
The SLC7A7 (solute carrier family 7 member 7) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 14.
The SLC7A7 gene provides instructions for producing the y+L amino acid transporter 1 (y+LAT-1) protein, which is involved in transporting certain amino acids (lysine, arginine, and ornithine). This transport is crucial for the body to produce and utilize proteins. The y+LAT-1 protein is a part of the heterodimeric cationic amino acid transporter complex, acting as the light subunit responsible for binding to the transported amino acids.
The SLC7A7 protein forms a heterodimer with SLC3A2, functioning as an antiporter. This transporter acts as an efflux route, exporting cationic amino acids from cells in exchange for neutral amino acids and sodium ions. It may also play a role in nitric oxide synthesis by transporting L-arginine. Furthermore, SLC7A7 mediates arginine transport in non-polarized cells like monocytes, contributing to their normal function. The transport mechanism is electroneutral and operates with a 1:1 stoichiometry. Sodium, lithium, and hydrogen ions are cotransported with neutral amino acids.
SLC7A7 is also known as LAT3, LPI, MOP-2, Y+LAT1, y+LAT-1.
