Gain-of-function genetic screens in human cells identify SLC transporters overcoming environmental nutrient restrictions.

Solute carrier (SLC) transporters control fluxes of nutrients and metabolites across membranes and thereby represent a critical interface between the microenvironment and cellular and subcellular metabolism. Because of substantial functional overlap, the interplay and relative contributions of SLCs in response to environmental stresses remain poorly elucidated. To infer functional relationships between SLCs and metabolites, we developed a strategy to identify SLCs able to sustain cell viability and proliferation under growth-limiting concentrations of essential nutrients.