LAT2 Activators

LAT2 Activators refer to a class of chemicals that can influence the activity or expression of the LAT2 (SLC7A8) protein, a transporter involved in the facilitated transport of neutral amino acids across cell membranes.

Among the chemicals associated with LAT2 activation, amino acids like leucine stand out. As an essential amino acid, leucine's presence in the extracellular environment can elevate the demand for amino acid uptake, subsequently influencing LAT2 activity. Similarly, insulin, a hormone central to various metabolic processes, can enhance amino acid uptake by upregulating transporters like LAT2 in certain tissues. Certain chemicals play roles in amino acid metabolism or cellular pathways that intersect with amino acid demand. For instance, glucose, a primary cellular energy source, may upregulate amino acid transporters like LAT2 under depleted conditions, as cells seek alternative energy pathways. Compounds like dexamethasone and epidermal growth factor (EGF) further exemplify the diverse mechanisms through which LAT2 activity can be modulated. Dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, can influence protein synthesis, thus affecting amino acid uptake in certain cells. EGF can shape cellular growth and metabolism, subsequently impacting amino acid transporters.