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Author Spotlight: Expression and Purification of Human Solute Carrier Transporters Using Codon-Optimized Genes
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Roles and therapeutic targeting of SLC transporters in gastrointestinal malignancies

Junshu Wang1, Xiaoyu Huang1, Shuyi Chen2

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Holistic, Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.

Cancer Letters
|December 17, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Solute carrier (SLC) transporters regulate cell metabolism and are crucial in gastrointestinal cancers. Targeting these transporters offers a promising therapeutic strategy for improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Metabolism

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal malignancies are a major global health concern with high mortality rates.
  • Metabolic reprogramming is a key hallmark of cancer, driving uncontrolled tumor proliferation.
  • Solute carrier (SLC) transporters play vital roles in nutrient and metabolite transport, influencing cancer cell behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of SLC transporters in gastrointestinal tumor oncogenesis.
  • To elucidate the contribution of SLC expression patterns and genetic variations to chemoresistance.
  • To assess the therapeutic potential of targeting SLC family proteins in gastrointestinal cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on SLC transporters in gastrointestinal malignancies.
  • Analysis of SLC expression patterns and genetic variations in relation to tumor behavior and chemoresistance.
  • Evaluation of preclinical and clinical data on SLC-targeted therapies.

Main Results:

  • SLC transporters are implicated in various oncogenic behaviors, including proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.
  • Altered SLC expression and genetic variations are linked to chemoresistance in gastrointestinal tumors.
  • Targeting specific SLC transporters shows potential for novel therapeutic interventions.

Conclusions:

  • SLC transporters are critical regulators of cancer cell metabolism and are significantly involved in gastrointestinal tumor progression and treatment resistance.
  • Understanding the SLC-cancer cell metabolism-tumor microenvironment axis is essential for developing effective therapies.
  • Targeting SLC family proteins represents a promising avenue for future gastrointestinal cancer treatment strategies.
Keywords:
Gastrointestinal neoplasmsImmune regulationMetabolic reprogrammingSolute carriersTherapeutic interventions

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