Why are Amino Acid Transporters Important in Cancer?
Cancer cells exhibit increased metabolic demands compared to normal cells. This includes a higher requirement for amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins necessary for cell growth and division. Transporters such as LAT1 (L-type amino acid transporter 1) and ASCT2 (alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2) are often overexpressed in various cancers. These transporters facilitate the uptake of essential amino acids like leucine and glutamine, which support cancer cell metabolism, growth, and survival.
