SLC7A6
Description
The SLC7A6 (solute carrier family 7 member 6) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 16.
Y+L amino acid transporter 2, also known as cationic amino acid transporter, y+ system, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC7A6 gene.
SLC7A6 forms a heterodimer with SLC3A2, acting as an antiporter. It exports cationic amino acids like L-arginine from cells in exchange for neutral amino acids (L-leucine, L-glutamine, isoleucine), sodium ions, and may participate in nitric oxide synthesis. It also exchanges L-arginine with L-lysine independent of sodium. The transport process is electroneutral with a 1:1 stoichiometry. SLC7A6 contributes to ammonia-induced L-arginine uptake in astrocytes, leading to ammonia-dependent nitric oxide production through iNOS induction and protein nitration. It may mediate ornithine transport in RPE cells and glycine betaine transport in a sodium-dependent manner from cumulus granulosa to the oocyte.
SLC7A6 is also known as LAT-2, LAT3, y+LAT-2.
