Lactate transport across cell membranes is primarily facilitated by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). These transporters are often upregulated in cancer cells to accommodate the increased production and export of lactate. MCT1 and MCT4 are particularly relevant; MCT1 primarily imports lactate, while MCT4 is involved in lactate export. Their expression levels can significantly influence the metabolic interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment.
