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Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Author Spotlight: Expression and Purification of Human Solute Carrier Transporters Using Codon-Optimized Genes
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SLC transporters as metalloptotic gatekeepers in tumorigenesis: From molecular mechanisms to clinical potential

Bingchen Pan1, Tan Li2, Na Deng3

  • 1Department of Anorectal Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China; Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Etiology and Prevention, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China.

Pharmacological Research
|December 6, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Solute carrier (SLC) transporters regulate metalloptosis, a cell death pathway crucial in cancer. Understanding SLC transporters

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Solute carrier (SLC) transporters are critical regulators of ion and amino acid transport across cellular membranes.
  • Dysregulation of metal ion homeostasis and metalloptosis, influenced by SLC transporters, plays a significant role in cancer initiation and progression.
  • The exact biological functions and clinical relevance of SLC transporters in cancer are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the structural and functional characteristics of SLC transporters involved in metalloptosis.
  • To elucidate the roles of SLC transporters in cancer biology, metal ion flux, and amino acid metabolism.
  • To highlight the interplay between SLC transporters, metal ions, and metalloptosis for developing novel anticancer strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of studies on SLC transporters and metalloptosis.
  • Analysis of structural and functional data of SLC transporters.
  • Integration of information on metal ion homeostasis, amino acid metabolism, and cancer biology.

Main Results:

  • SLC transporters are key mediators of metalloptosis through their control of ion and amino acid transport.
  • SLC transporters significantly influence tumor initiation and progression by affecting metal ion homeostasis.
  • The review details the regulatory mechanisms and crosstalk involving SLC transporters, metal ions, and metalloptosis pathways.

Conclusions:

  • SLC transporters are pivotal in modulating metalloptosis and cancer progression.
  • Targeting SLC transporters offers potential for novel anticancer therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research into SLC transporter functions in cancer is warranted to develop innovative treatments.
Keywords:
CancerMetal ionMetalloptosisProgrammed cell deathSLC transporters

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