Cystine-glutamate antiporterxCTas a therapeutic target for cancer

Cystine/glutamic acid reverse transporter (System X-c(-)), a member of the amino acid transporter family, consists of two subunits, light chain xCT and heavy chain 4F2hc. xCT is the cystine/glutamate antiporter solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), which promotes cystine uptake and glutathione biosynthetic, thus protecting against oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Studies have confirmed that xCT is highly expressed in a variety of tumour and is associated with tumour proliferation, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance and ferroptosis, and can be used as a potential target for tumour treatment. This review provides insights into the biological effects of xCT and contribute to the development of new xCT-based strategies.

Automated summary

xCT, a component of the cystine/glutamic acid reverse transporter, protects cells from oxidative stress and ferroptosis by promoting cystine uptake and glutathione biosynthesis. Its high expression in various tumors makes it a potential target for cancer treatment.