Normal Function
The SLC7A7 gene provides instructions for producing a protein called y+L amino acid transporter 1 (y+LAT-1), which is involved in transporting certain building blocks of protein (amino acids), namely lysine, arginine, and ornithine. The transportation of amino acids from the small intestines and kidneys to the rest of the body is necessary for the body to be able to use proteins. The y+LAT-1 protein forms one part (the light subunit) of a complex called the heterodimeric cationic amino acid transporter. This subunit is responsible for binding to the amino acids that are transported.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Lysinuric protein intolerance
More than 40 mutations in the SLC7A7 gene have been found to cause lysinuric protein intolerance. All of these mutations impair the y+LAT-1 protein's ability to transport amino acids. People with lysinuric protein intolerance who are of Finnish descent typically have the same mutation. This mutation (written as IVS6-2A>T) disrupts the way the gene's instructions are used to make the y+LAT-1 protein, causing the protein to be misplaced in the cell.
Mutations in the y+LAT-1 protein disrupt the transportation of amino acids, leading to a shortage of lysine, arginine, and ornithine in the body and an abnormally large amount of these amino acids in urine. The abnormal transportation and shortage of these amino acids in various tissues of the body leads to the signs and symptoms of lysinuric protein intolerance.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- LAT3
- LPI
- solute carrier family 7 (amino acid transporter light chain, y+L system), member 7
- y+LAT-1
- Y+LAT1
- YLAT1_HUMAN
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Chillarón J, Roca R, Valencia A, Zorzano A, Palacín M. Heteromeric amino acid transporters: biochemistry, genetics, and physiology. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2001 Dec;281(6):F995-1018. Review. Citation on PubMed
- Palacín M, Bertran J, Chillarón J, Estévez R, Zorzano A. Lysinuric protein intolerance: mechanisms of pathophysiology. Mol Genet Metab. 2004 Apr;81 Suppl 1:S27-37. Review. Citation on PubMed
- Palacín M, Nunes V, Font-Llitjós M, Jiménez-Vidal M, Fort J, Gasol E, Pineda M, Feliubadaló L, Chillarón J, Zorzano A. The genetics of heteromeric amino acid transporters. Physiology (Bethesda). 2005 Apr;20:112-24. Review. Citation on PubMed
- Sperandeo MP, Andria G, Sebastio G. Lysinuric protein intolerance: update and extended mutation analysis of the SLC7A7 gene. Hum Mutat. 2008 Jan;29(1):14-21. Review. Citation on PubMed
- Sperandeo MP, Annunziata P, Ammendola V, Fiorito V, Pepe A, Soldovieri MV, Taglialatela M, Andria G, Sebastio G. Lysinuric protein intolerance: identification and functional analysis of mutations of the SLC7A7 gene. Hum Mutat. 2005 Apr;25(4):410. Citation on PubMed
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