SLC7A9 : solute carrier family 7 member 9
Description
The SLC7A9 (solute carrier family 7 member 9) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
The SLC7A9 gene instructs the production of a protein subunit primarily found in the kidneys. This subunit combines with another subunit (from SLC3A1) to create a transporter complex. During urine formation, this complex reabsorbs specific amino acids, like cystine, ornithine, arginine, and lysine, back into the blood.
SLC7A9, in conjunction with SLC3A1, forms a transporter complex responsible for the electrogenic exchange of cationic amino acids for neutral amino acids in a 1:1 ratio. This transporter exhibits system b(0,+)-like activity, preferentially binding extracellular cationic amino acids and L-cystine over intracellular neutral amino acids. The exchange process is driven by high intracellular neutral amino acid levels and the intracellular reduction of L-cystine to L-cysteine. SLC7A9 is crucial for the reabsorption of L-cystine and dibasic amino acids across the brush border membrane in the renal proximal tubules.
SLC7A9 is also known as BAT1, CSNU3.
