Cystine/glutamate transporter
GeneName
SLC7A11
Summary
SLC7A11, also known as xCT or solute carrier family 7 member 11, is a 55 kDa transmembrane protein primarily localised to the plasma membrane and various cellular projections, including astrocyte projections and microvillus membranes. It functions as a cystine-glutamate antiporter, facilitating the transport of cystine into cells while exporting glutamate. This protein plays a crucial role in maintaining intracellular glutamate homeostasis and is involved in the glutathione metabolic process, which is essential for cellular defence against oxidative stress. SLC7A11 is expressed in various tissues and is particularly relevant in the brain, where it contributes to synaptic transmission and neuronal health.
Importance
SLC7A11 is relevant to: - The regulation of oxidative stress responses, impacting neurodegenerative diseases and cellular survival - Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death linked to various pathologies, including cancer - The modulation of glutamate levels, which is critical for neurotransmission and implicated in psychiatric disorders - The transport of amino acids, influencing metabolic processes and cellular signalling - Developmental processes in the lung and striatum, highlighting its role in tissue development and homeostasis
Top Products
For researchers investigating SLC7A11, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies. The first is the well-cited polyclonal antibody, Anti-xCT antibody (ab37185), which has garnered 147 citations, reflecting its reliability in immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunocytochemistry (ICC). Additionally, we offer the recombinant antibody, Anti-xCT antibody [EPR27115-64] (ab307601), which has been validated in knockout models and is suitable for a broader range of applications, including western blotting (WB), IHC, ICC, immunoprecipitation (IP), and flow cytometry (FC). With 86 citations, this recombinant antibody is an excellent choice for researchers seeking consistency and versatility in their experiments.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates that SLC7A11 is being investigated in various contexts, including cancer sensitivity, mitochondrial function, and neuroinflammation. The use of Abcam antibody ab37185 in multiple species, particularly humans and mice, highlights its relevance in studies related to transporter expression and ferroptosis.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Function
Heterodimer with SLC3A2, that functions as an antiporter by mediating the exchange of extracellular anionic L-cystine and intracellular L-glutamate across the cellular plasma membrane (PubMed:11133847, PubMed:11417227, PubMed:14722095, PubMed:15151999, PubMed:34880232, PubMed:35245456, PubMed:35352032). Provides L-cystine for the maintenance of the redox balance between extracellular L-cystine and L-cysteine and for the maintenance of the intracellular levels of glutathione that is essential for cells protection from oxidative stress (By similarity). The transport is sodium-independent, electroneutral with a stoichiometry of 1:1, and is drove by the high intracellular concentration of L-glutamate and the intracellular reduction of L-cystine (PubMed:11133847, PubMed:11417227). In addition, mediates the import of L-kynurenine leading to anti-ferroptotic signaling propagation required to maintain L-cystine and glutathione homeostasis (PubMed:35245456). Moreover, mediates N-acetyl-L-cysteine uptake into the placenta leading to subsequently down-regulation of pathways associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis (PubMed:34120018). In vitro can also transport L-aspartate (PubMed:11417227). May participate in astrocyte and meningeal cell proliferation during development and can provide neuroprotection by promoting glutathione synthesis and delivery from non-neuronal cells such as astrocytes and meningeal cells to immature neurons (By similarity). Controls the production of pheomelanin pigment directly (By similarity).
Post-translational modifications
Ubiquitinated by TRIM26; leading to proteasomal degradation.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the amino acid-polyamine-organocation (APC) superfamily. L-type amino acid transporter (LAT) (TC 2.A.3.8) family.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in term placenta and primary term cytotrophoblast (PubMed:34120018). Expressed mainly in the brain, but also in pancreas (PubMed:11417227).
Cellular localization
- Cell membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Cell projection
- Microvillus membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Localized to the microvillous membrane of the placental syncytiotrophoblast.
Alternative names
Cystine/glutamate transporter, Amino acid transport system xc-, Calcium channel blocker resistance protein CCBR1, Solute carrier family 7 member 11, xCT, SLC7A11