Function of SLC7A7 in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Y+LAT1 protein, encoded by the SLC7A7 gene (a member of the SLC7 family), forms the cationic amino acid transport system y+L (system y+L). This system transports cationic amino acids such as arginine and lysine out of the cell. Arginine, in particular, is critical for T-cell activation and function in the immune response. METHODS: We analyzed the role of the SLC7A7 gene in the cellular activities of Jurkat cells, specifically the cell cycle and cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Cell proliferation was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8. Apoptosis and the cell cycle were determined with a FACSCalibur flow cytometer. A Transwell chamber was used to measure cell invasion and migration. RESULTS: The proliferative ability of Jurkat cells was not significantly altered by transfection with SLC7A7 overexpression vectors. However, SLC7A7 overexpression significantly decreased the percentage of apoptotic Jurkat cells (P = 0.007) but significantly increased the proportion of G1 phase cells (P = 0.029) and cell migration (P < 0.001) and invasion (P < 0.001). Knockdown of SLC7A7 increased the cell apoptosis rate (P = 0.006) but decreased the G1 phase ratio (P = 0.002) and cell migration (P < 0.001) and invasion (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SLC7A7 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.