SLC3A2

SLC3A2 encodes the 4F2 heavy chain protein, also commonly known as CD98hc. This protein forms a heterodimer with various light chains. It serves as an amino acid transporter, facilitating the uptake of essential amino acids across the cell membrane. It is involved in multiple signal pathways, including the mTOR pathway, which regulates cell growth and metabolism.
Dysregulation of SLC3A2 has been linked to various diseases, such as cancer. Tumor cells often over - express this protein to meet their high amino acid demands. In drug development, small - molecule inhibitors targeting SLC3A2 are being explored as potential anti - cancer agents, aiming to cut off the amino acid supply to tumor cells.