Genetic Disruption of the Multifunctional CD98/LAT1 Complex Demonstrates the Key Role of Essential Amino Acid Transport in the Control of mTORC1 and Tumor Growth.

The CD98/LAT1 complex is overexpressed in aggressive human cancers and is thereby described as a potential therapeutic target. This complex promotes tumorigenesis with CD98 (4F2hc) engaging β-integrin signaling while LAT1 (SLC7A5) imports essential amino acids (EAA) and promotes mTORC1 activity. However, it is unclear as to which member of the heterodimer carries the most prevalent protumoral action.