Genetic deletion or pharmacologic blockade of the amino acid transporter Slc6a14 in mice suppresses breast cancer induced by Polyoma middle T oncogene

Tumor cells have an increased need for amino acids. Mammalian cells cannot synthesize essential amino acids; they must obtain these amino acids via specific transporters. Glutamine, though a non-essential amino acid, is critical for tumor cells (glutamine addiction). Entry of amino acids into tumor cells is enhanced by upregulation of specific transporters. If the transporters that are specifically induced in tumor cells are identified, blockade of the induced transporters would constitute a logical strategy for cancer treatment.

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Babu E, Bhutia YD, Ramachandran S, Gnanaprakasam JP, Prasad PD, Thangaraju M, Ganapathy V