Solute carriers (SLCs) are transmembrane transporters that play a pivotal role in controlling the metabolic state of cells. They are known to determine nutrient availability shaping the growth, metabolism, and fate of both normal and cancer cells. Nevertheless, we know little about how this large family of SLCs contribute and become dysfunctional in diseases such as cancer. Our previous work demonstrates that cancer cells can use specific SLCs to grow efficiently. The aim of this proposal is to understand how SLCs contribute to the metabolic needs of normal stem and cancer cells. It is essential to further our understanding of the role of SLCs in cancer progression and the mechanisms that allow the emergence of resistance to available cancer treatments. This project is anticipated to reveal a detailed and precise understanding of the SLCs that cells use to drive cancer growth and thereby identify novel drug targets to overcome resistance and improve outcomes.

2022

2027