4F2 cell-surface antigen heavy chain

4F2 cell-surface antigen heavy chain (also known as 4F2hc or CD98hc) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC3A2 gene. This protein is a type II membrane protein and is a part of the amino acid transporter complex. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of cellular growth and differentiation.

Structure

The 4F2hc protein is a heavy chain of the heterodimeric amino acid transporters (HATs). It is a type II membrane glycoprotein and has a large extracellular domain, a single transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular domain is responsible for the interaction with the light chain subunits, while the cytoplasmic tail is involved in the regulation of cellular signaling pathways.

Function

The primary function of 4F2hc is to regulate the transport of large neutral amino acids across the cell membrane. It forms a heterodimeric complex with various light chains to transport different amino acids. The 4F2hc-light chain complex is also involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation, and it has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the expression of 4F2hc have been associated with various types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Overexpression of 4F2hc has been shown to promote tumor growth and metastasis. In addition, mutations in the SLC3A2 gene have been linked to certain neurological disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia.

See also

• SLC3A2
• Amino acid transporter
• Cell membrane