Large neutral amino acids transporter small subunit 3

Large Neutral Amino Acids Transporter Small Subunit 3 (LAT3) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC43A1 gene. It is a member of the solute carrier family, specifically the L-type amino acid transporters (LATs). LAT3 is primarily expressed in the liver and placenta, and to a lesser extent in the kidney and brain.

Function

LAT3 is a system L amino acid transporter that facilitates the transport of large neutral amino acids such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, leucine, arginine and tryptophan. In contrast to other members of the system L family, it has a low affinity for methionine and histidine. It is an obligatory exchanger and its principal physiological function is to carry out the exchange of extracellular leucine for intracellular arginine.

Clinical significance

Alterations in LAT3 function can lead to various health conditions. For instance, overexpression of LAT3 has been associated with prostate cancer and breast cancer, suggesting a role in tumor growth and survival. In addition, mutations in the SLC43A1 gene can lead to a rare inherited disorder called hyperdibasic aminoaciduria type 2, characterized by an excess of certain amino acids in the urine.

See also

• Solute carrier family
• Amino acid transporter
• Protein biosynthesis