SLC7A7

The protein encoded by this gene is the light subunit of a cationic amino acid transporter. This sodium-independent transporter is formed when the light subunit encoded by this gene dimerizes with the heavy subunit transporter protein SLC3A2. This transporter is found in epithelial cell membranes where it transfers cationic and large neutral amino acids from the cell to the extracellular space. Defects in this gene are a cause of lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI). Several transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq]

Full Name

solute carrier family 7 (cationic amino acid transporter, y+ system), member 7

Function

Involved in the sodium-independent uptake of dibasic amino acids and sodium-dependent uptake of some neutral amino acids. Requires coexpression with SLC3A2/4F2hc to mediate the uptake of arginine, leucine and glutamine. Plays a role in nitric oxide synthesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via transport of L-arginine. Involved in the transport of L-arginine in monocytes.

Biological Process

Biological Process basic amino acid transmembrane transportManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:GO_Central
Biological Process regulation of arginine metabolic processManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central

Cellular Location

Basolateral cell membrane

Involvement in disease

Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI):
A metabolic disorder characterized by increased renal excretion of cationic amino acid (CAA), reduced CAA absorption from intestine, and orotic aciduria. On a normal diet, LPI patients present poor feeding, vomiting, diarrhea, episodes of hyperammoniaemic coma and growth retardation. Hepatosplenomegaly, osteoporosis and a life-threatening pulmonary involvement (alveolar proteinosis) are also seen. Biochemically LPI is characterized by defective transport of dibasic amino acids at the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells in kidney and intestine.