SLC7A11

UniProt ID: Q9UPY5
Organism: Homo sapiens
Review Status: COMPLETE
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Gene Description

SLC7A11 (xCT) is the light chain (catalytic subunit) of system xc-, a heterodimeric cystine/glutamate antiporter that forms a disulfide-linked heterodimer with SLC3A2 (4F2hc, the heavy chain). It mediates Na+-independent, electroneutral exchange of extracellular L-cystine for intracellular L-glutamate at ~1:1 stoichiometry (Km ~43-110 uM for cystine, ~48-224 uM for glutamate). The imported cystine is reduced intracellularly to cysteine, providing the rate-limiting substrate for glutathione (GSH) synthesis. This positions SLC7A11 as a critical regulator of cellular redox homeostasis and a suppressor of ferroptosis through the GSH/GPX4 axis. Recent studies have identified additional functions including L-kynurenine transport and a slow lysosomal H+ efflux pathway carried by the downward flux of cystine and glutamate rather than by a proton-conducting pore.

Existing Annotations Review

GO Term Evidence Action Reason
GO:0015327 cystine:glutamate antiporter activity
IDA
PMID:11417227
Identification and characterisation of human xCT that co-exp...
ACCEPT
Summary: This is the primary molecular function of SLC7A11. PMID:11417227 (Bassi et al., 2001) directly demonstrated that human xCT co-expressed with 4F2hc mediates Na+-independent cystine/glutamate antiport with Km values of 43 uM for cystine and 92 uM for glutamate.
Reason: Core molecular function established by direct transport assays in reconstituted systems. Multiple studies confirm this antiporter activity with defined kinetics.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11417227
The amino acid transport activity induced by the co-expression of human 4F2hc and xCT in Xenopus oocytes was sodium independent and specific for L-cystine, L-glutamate and L-aspartate
file:human/SLC7A11/SLC7A11-deep-research-falcon.md
System xcβˆ’ exchanges extracellular L-cystine for intracellular L-glutamate at approximately 1:1 stoichiometry, enabling cystine import that is reduced intracellularly to cysteine for glutathione (GSH) synthesis; reported Km values are ~50 Β΅M (cystine) and ~200 Β΅M (glutamate)
GO:0015327 cystine:glutamate antiporter activity
IDA
PMID:15151999
Membrane topology of system xc- light subunit reveals a re-e...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:15151999 (Gasol et al., 2004) characterized membrane topology and transport function, reporting Km of 110 uM for cystine and 224 uM for glutamate.
Reason: Confirms core antiporter activity with detailed kinetic characterization and membrane topology analysis.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:15151999
4F2hc/xCT elicits sodium-independent exchange of anionic L-cysteine and L-glutamate (system x(c)(-))
GO:0015327 cystine:glutamate antiporter activity
IDA
PMID:34120018
N-acetylcysteine, xCT and suppression of Maxi-chloride chann...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:34120018 (Lofthouse et al., 2021) demonstrated xCT-mediated cystine/glutamate antiport in human placenta, including N-acetylcysteine transport.
Reason: Confirms antiporter activity in physiologically relevant tissue context (placenta).
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:34120018
Maternoplacental N-acetylcysteine administration stimulated intracellular glutamate efflux suggesting a role of the exchange transporter xCT
GO:0015327 cystine:glutamate antiporter activity
RCA
PMID:34880232
Molecular basis for redox control by the human cystine/gluta...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:34880232 (Parker et al., 2021) provided cryo-EM structure of xCT-4F2hc complex with L-glutamate bound, revealing molecular basis of antiporter function.
Reason: Structural evidence confirming antiporter mechanism with substrate-bound structure.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:34880232
Here we present the cryo-EM structure of system xc- in both the apo and glutamate bound states
GO:0015327 cystine:glutamate antiporter activity
IDA
PMID:35352032
The structure of erastin-bound xCT-4F2hc complex reveals mol...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:35352032 (Yan et al., 2022) provided erastin-bound xCT-4F2hc structure showing inhibitor binding site and transport mechanism.
Reason: Structural and functional evidence for antiporter activity with inhibitor binding site.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:35352032
The small-molecule compound erastin induces ferroptosis via inhibiting the cystine-glutamate antiporter system xc–
GO:0015327 cystine:glutamate antiporter activity
IDA
PMID:35245456
Kynurenine importation by SLC7A11 propagates anti-ferroptoti...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:35245456 (Fiore et al., 2022) confirmed cystine:glutamate antiport while also discovering kynurenine transport capability.
Reason: Confirms core antiporter function in context of expanded substrate repertoire study.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:35245456
We show that this effect requires KYN export from IDO1-expressing cells, which is then available for non-IDO1-expressing cells via SLC7A11, the central transporter involved in ferroptosis suppression
GO:0015327 cystine:glutamate antiporter activity
IDA
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11 is an unconventional H(+) transporter in lysosomes.
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:40280132 confirmed canonical cystine:glutamate antiporter function while discovering a slow lysosomal H+ efflux pathway carried by cystine/glutamate flux.
Reason: Confirms core antiporter function in context of study expanding known functions.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11, the protein target of the ferroptosis-inducing compound erastin, mediates a slow lysosomal H+ leak through downward flux of cystine and glutamate
GO:0015327 cystine:glutamate antiporter activity
TAS
PMID:10206947
Cloning and expression of a plasma membrane cystine/glutamat...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:10206947 (Sato et al., 1999) was the original cloning paper identifying xCT as the light chain of system xc-.
Reason: Foundational paper establishing identity and function of xCT.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:10206947
The latter protein, named xCT, showed a significant homology with those recently reported to mediate cationic or zwitterionic amino acid transport when co-expressed with 4F2hc
GO:0015811 L-cystine transport
IEA
GO_REF:0000120
ACCEPT
Summary: Automated annotation based on ARBA rules and orthology. L-cystine transport is the primary biological process mediated by SLC7A11.
Reason: Core biological process - IEA is redundant with multiple IDA annotations but correctly captures the function.
GO:0015811 L-cystine transport
IDA
PMID:11417227
Identification and characterisation of human xCT that co-exp...
ACCEPT
Summary: Direct demonstration of L-cystine uptake via xCT/4F2hc complex with Km = 43 uM.
Reason: Core biological process with direct kinetic evidence.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11417227
The amino acid transport activity induced by the co-expression of human 4F2hc and xCT in Xenopus oocytes was sodium independent and specific for L-cystine, L-glutamate and L-aspartate
GO:0015811 L-cystine transport
IDA
PMID:15151999
Membrane topology of system xc- light subunit reveals a re-e...
ACCEPT
Summary: Confirmed cystine transport with Km = 110 uM in detailed topology study.
Reason: Core biological process confirmed with kinetic parameters.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:15151999
4F2hc/xCT elicits sodium-independent exchange of anionic L-cysteine and L-glutamate (system x(c)(-))
GO:0015811 L-cystine transport
IDA
PMID:34880232
Molecular basis for redox control by the human cystine/gluta...
ACCEPT
Summary: Structural study confirming cystine transport mechanism.
Reason: Core biological process supported by structural evidence.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:34880232
Under redox stress conditions mammalian cells use a specific system to increase cystine uptake to increase GSH synthesis, termed system xcβˆ’ a dedicated cystine-glutamate antiporter
GO:0015811 L-cystine transport
IDA
PMID:35352032
The structure of erastin-bound xCT-4F2hc complex reveals mol...
ACCEPT
Summary: Confirmed cystine transport in context of erastin inhibition study.
Reason: Core biological process with inhibitor sensitivity data.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:35352032
inhibiting xCT impairs cystine uptake, causing an accumulation of ROS and suppressing tumor growth
GO:0015811 L-cystine transport
IDA
PMID:11133847
Structure, function, and regulation of human cystine/glutama...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:11133847 (Bridges et al., 2001) characterized xCT function in retinal pigment epithelial cells.
Reason: Core biological process demonstrated in RPE cells.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11133847
Coexpression of human xCT with 4F2hc in HeLa cells leads to the induction of cystine and glutamate uptake with characteristics similar to that of x(c)(-)
GO:0015811 L-cystine transport
IDA
PMID:11213471
Molecular cloning and expression of human xCT, the light cha...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:11213471 (Sato et al., 2000) original molecular cloning paper confirming cystine transport function.
Reason: Foundational paper establishing cystine transport function.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11213471
Transport of system xc- is an exchange agency with high specificity for anionic form of cystine and glutamate
GO:0015813 L-glutamate transmembrane transport
IEA
GO_REF:0000117
ACCEPT
Summary: ARBA annotation capturing glutamate export function of the antiporter.
Reason: Core biological process - glutamate efflux is integral to antiporter mechanism.
GO:0015813 L-glutamate transmembrane transport
IDA
PMID:11417227
Identification and characterisation of human xCT that co-exp...
ACCEPT
Summary: Direct demonstration of glutamate efflux coupled to cystine import with Km = 92 uM.
Reason: Core biological process with kinetic evidence.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11417227
This activity also functioned in an exchange mode (e.g. cystine/glutamate) with a substrate stoichiometry of 1:1
GO:0015813 L-glutamate transmembrane transport
IDA
PMID:15151999
Membrane topology of system xc- light subunit reveals a re-e...
ACCEPT
Summary: Glutamate transport confirmed with Km = 224 uM.
Reason: Core biological process with kinetic parameters.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:15151999
4F2hc/xCT elicits sodium-independent exchange of anionic L-cysteine and L-glutamate (system x(c)(-))
GO:0015813 L-glutamate transmembrane transport
IDA
PMID:34880232
Molecular basis for redox control by the human cystine/gluta...
ACCEPT
Summary: Structural study with glutamate-bound structure.
Reason: Core biological process with structural evidence of glutamate binding.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:34880232
Here we present the cryo-EM structure of system xc- in both the apo and glutamate bound states
GO:0015813 L-glutamate transmembrane transport
IDA
PMID:35352032
The structure of erastin-bound xCT-4F2hc complex reveals mol...
ACCEPT
Summary: Glutamate transport in context of erastin inhibition.
Reason: Core biological process confirmed.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:35352032
The small-molecule compound erastin induces ferroptosis via inhibiting the cystine-glutamate antiporter system xc–
GO:0015813 L-glutamate transmembrane transport
IDA
PMID:11133847
Structure, function, and regulation of human cystine/glutama...
ACCEPT
Summary: Glutamate transport in RPE cells.
Reason: Core biological process in physiological context.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11133847
the uptake of glutamate in the absence of Na(+) occurs exclusively via x(c)(-)
GO:0005886 plasma membrane
IEA
GO_REF:0000120
ACCEPT
Summary: Automated annotation for plasma membrane localization.
Reason: Core localization - xCT functions primarily at the plasma membrane.
GO:0005886 plasma membrane
IDA
PMID:11417227
Identification and characterisation of human xCT that co-exp...
ACCEPT
Summary: Direct demonstration of plasma membrane localization.
Reason: Core localization established by immunofluorescence and functional studies.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11417227
The amino acid transport activity induced by the co-expression of human 4F2hc and xCT in Xenopus oocytes was sodium independent and specific for L-cystine, L-glutamate and L-aspartate
GO:0005886 plasma membrane
IDA
PMID:15151999
Membrane topology of system xc- light subunit reveals a re-e...
ACCEPT
Summary: Membrane topology study confirming plasma membrane localization.
Reason: Core localization with detailed topology mapping.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:15151999
we propose a topological model for xCT of 12 transmembrane domains with the N and C termini located inside the cell
GO:0005886 plasma membrane
IDA
PMID:40246981
Galectin-13 reduces membrane localization of SLC7A11 for fer...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:40246981 studied galectin-13-mediated regulation of SLC7A11 membrane localization.
Reason: Confirms plasma membrane as functional location.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:40246981
Galectin-13, which binds to CD44 and inhibits the plasma membrane localization of SLC7A11 in neighboring cells, thereby accelerating neighboring cell death and promoting ferroptosis propagation
GO:0005886 plasma membrane
IPI
PMID:34880232
Molecular basis for redox control by the human cystine/gluta...
ACCEPT
Summary: Co-localization with SLC3A2 at plasma membrane in structural study.
Reason: Core localization confirmed through complex formation.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:34880232
The light subunit of human xc- transporter, xCT, (SLC7A11), consists of 12 transmembrane helices (TMs)
GO:0005886 plasma membrane
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-375131
ACCEPT
Summary: Reactome pathway annotation for basigin interactions at plasma membrane.
Reason: Core localization supported by pathway database.
GO:0005886 plasma membrane
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-378513
ACCEPT
Summary: Reactome pathway for SLC7A11-mediated cystine/glutamate exchange.
Reason: Core localization in transport pathway context.
GO:0005886 plasma membrane
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9761841
ACCEPT
Summary: Reactome NFE2L2-dependent SLC7A11 expression pathway.
Reason: Core localization in regulatory pathway context.
GO:0110076 negative regulation of ferroptosis
IDA
PMID:40246981
Galectin-13 reduces membrane localization of SLC7A11 for fer...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:40246981 demonstrated that SLC7A11 suppresses ferroptosis; galectin-13 reduces membrane SLC7A11 to propagate ferroptosis.
Reason: Core function - SLC7A11 is a central suppressor of ferroptosis through cystine import and GSH/GPX4 pathway. This is one of the most well-established physiological consequences of xCT function.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:40246981
Galectin-13, which binds to CD44 and inhibits the plasma membrane localization of SLC7A11 in neighboring cells, thereby accelerating neighboring cell death and promoting ferroptosis propagation
GO:0110076 negative regulation of ferroptosis
IDA
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11 is an unconventional H(+) transporter in lysosomes.
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:40280132 confirmed anti-ferroptotic function while discovering lysosomal role.
Reason: Core function confirmed in context of expanded functional characterization.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11 deficiency or inhibition caused lysosomal over-acidification, reduced degradation, accumulation of storage materials, and ferroptosis
GO:0110076 negative regulation of ferroptosis
IDA
PMID:35245456
Kynurenine importation by SLC7A11 propagates anti-ferroptoti...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:35245456 showed kynurenine import via SLC7A11 propagates anti-ferroptotic signaling.
Reason: Core function demonstrated through novel kynurenine pathway.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:35245456
We show that this effect requires KYN export from IDO1-expressing cells, which is then available for non-IDO1-expressing cells via SLC7A11, the central transporter involved in ferroptosis suppression
GO:0005765 lysosomal membrane
IEA
GO_REF:0000044
ACCEPT
Summary: UniProt subcellular location annotation based on lysosomal membrane localization.
Reason: Recently validated secondary localization - IDA evidence in PMID:40280132 confirms lysosomal membrane localization.
GO:0005765 lysosomal membrane
IDA
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11 is an unconventional H(+) transporter in lysosomes.
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:40280132 directly demonstrated SLC7A11 localization and H+ transport activity at lysosomal membranes.
Reason: Novel secondary localization with direct experimental evidence for functional role at lysosomes.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11, the protein target of the ferroptosis-inducing compound erastin, mediates a slow lysosomal H+ leak through downward flux of cystine and glutamate
GO:0015252 proton channel activity
IDA
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11 is an unconventional H(+) transporter in lysosomes.
MODIFY
Summary: PMID:40280132 showed SLC7A11 mediates a slow lysosomal H+ leak, but via downward flux of cystine and glutamate rather than through a proton-conducting pore.
Reason: The H+ transport itself is experimentally supported and is retained, but 'channel' is the wrong mechanism class. GO:0015252 is defined as facilitated diffusion 'through a transmembrane aqueous pore or channel without evidence for a carrier-mediated mechanism', and the source reports the opposite: the H+ flux is carried by the downward movement of cystine and glutamate, i.e. by the antiporter's own protonatable substrates. The source calls SLC7A11 an 'unconventional H+ transporter'/'transport conduit' and explicitly contrasts it with the fast H+ leak through TMEM175 channels. Modified to the mechanism-neutral transporter term.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11, the protein target of the ferroptosis-inducing compound erastin, mediates a slow lysosomal H+ leak through downward flux of cystine and glutamate
PMID:40280132
These studies have revealed an unconventional H+ transport conduit
GO:0022840 leak channel activity
IDA
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11 is an unconventional H(+) transporter in lysosomes.
MODIFY
Summary: PMID:40280132 showed SLC7A11 mediates a slow lysosomal H+ leak, but via downward flux of cystine and glutamate rather than through a proton-conducting pore.
Reason: The H+ transport itself is experimentally supported and is retained, but 'channel' is the wrong mechanism class. GO:0022840 (leak channel activity) likewise implies a channel; GO:0015252 is defined as facilitated diffusion 'through a transmembrane aqueous pore or channel without evidence for a carrier-mediated mechanism', and the source reports the opposite: the H+ flux is carried by the downward movement of cystine and glutamate, i.e. by the antiporter's own protonatable substrates. The source calls SLC7A11 an 'unconventional H+ transporter'/'transport conduit' and explicitly contrasts it with the fast H+ leak through TMEM175 channels. Modified to the mechanism-neutral transporter term.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11, the protein target of the ferroptosis-inducing compound erastin, mediates a slow lysosomal H+ leak through downward flux of cystine and glutamate
PMID:40280132
These studies have revealed an unconventional H+ transport conduit
GO:0022840 leak channel activity
IDA
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11 is an unconventional H(+) transporter in lysosomes.
MODIFY
Summary: PMID:40280132 showed SLC7A11 mediates a slow lysosomal H+ leak, but via downward flux of cystine and glutamate rather than through a proton-conducting pore.
Reason: The H+ transport itself is experimentally supported and is retained, but 'channel' is the wrong mechanism class. GO:0022840 (leak channel activity) likewise implies a channel; GO:0015252 is defined as facilitated diffusion 'through a transmembrane aqueous pore or channel without evidence for a carrier-mediated mechanism', and the source reports the opposite: the H+ flux is carried by the downward movement of cystine and glutamate, i.e. by the antiporter's own protonatable substrates. The source calls SLC7A11 an 'unconventional H+ transporter'/'transport conduit' and explicitly contrasts it with the fast H+ leak through TMEM175 channels. Modified to the mechanism-neutral transporter term.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11, the protein target of the ferroptosis-inducing compound erastin, mediates a slow lysosomal H+ leak through downward flux of cystine and glutamate
PMID:40280132
These studies have revealed an unconventional H+ transport conduit
GO:0035752 lysosomal lumen pH elevation
IEA
GO_REF:0000107
ACCEPT
Summary: Ensembl Compara transfer from mouse ortholog.
Reason: Supported by direct experimental evidence in PMID:40280132 demonstrating lysosomal pH elevation via SLC7A11-mediated H+ efflux.
GO:0035752 lysosomal lumen pH elevation
IDA
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11 is an unconventional H(+) transporter in lysosomes.
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:40280132 demonstrated that SLC7A11-mediated H+ efflux elevates lysosomal lumen pH.
Reason: Novel biological process with direct experimental evidence.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11 deficiency or inhibition caused lysosomal over-acidification, reduced degradation, accumulation of storage materials, and ferroptosis
GO:1902600 proton transmembrane transport
IDA
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11 is an unconventional H(+) transporter in lysosomes.
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:40280132 demonstrated proton transport activity at lysosomal membranes.
Reason: Biological process supported by the H+ transport activity reported in the source.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11, the protein target of the ferroptosis-inducing compound erastin, mediates a slow lysosomal H+ leak through downward flux of cystine and glutamate
GO:1902600 proton transmembrane transport
IDA
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11 is an unconventional H(+) transporter in lysosomes.
ACCEPT
Summary: Duplicate annotation in GOA - same evidence as above.
Reason: Same evidence supports proton transmembrane transport.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:40280132
SLC7A11 deficiency or inhibition caused lysosomal over-acidification, reduced degradation, accumulation of storage materials, and ferroptosis
GO:0140924 L-kynurenine transmembrane transport
IDA
PMID:35245456
Kynurenine importation by SLC7A11 propagates anti-ferroptoti...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:35245456 (Fiore et al., 2022) discovered that SLC7A11 imports L-kynurenine, a tryptophan metabolite, which propagates anti-ferroptotic signaling.
Reason: Novel expanded substrate specificity with direct experimental evidence. Kynurenine import contributes to anti-ferroptotic function.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:35245456
We show that this effect requires KYN export from IDO1-expressing cells, which is then available for non-IDO1-expressing cells via SLC7A11, the central transporter involved in ferroptosis suppression
GO:0140926 L-kynurenine transmembrane transporter activity
IDA
PMID:35245456
Kynurenine importation by SLC7A11 propagates anti-ferroptoti...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:35245456 demonstrated L-kynurenine transporter activity for SLC7A11.
Reason: Novel molecular function - expanded substrate specificity beyond cystine/glutamate.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:35245456
We show that this effect requires KYN export from IDO1-expressing cells, which is then available for non-IDO1-expressing cells via SLC7A11, the central transporter involved in ferroptosis suppression
GO:0003333 amino acid transmembrane transport
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
MODIFY
Summary: IBA annotation from phylogenetic inference. While technically correct, this term is too general for a transporter with well-characterized substrate specificity.
Reason: Too general. SLC7A11 specifically transports L-cystine and L-glutamate as an antiporter, plus recently discovered L-kynurenine. The more specific terms GO:0015811 (L-cystine transport) and GO:0015813 (L-glutamate transmembrane transport) are more appropriate.
GO:0015179 L-amino acid transmembrane transporter activity
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
MODIFY
Summary: IBA annotation from phylogenetic inference. Too general for a transporter with well-characterized antiporter mechanism.
Reason: Too general. SLC7A11 has cystine:glutamate antiporter activity (GO:0015327), which is the appropriate specific term.
GO:0006865 amino acid transport
IEA
GO_REF:0000120
MARK AS OVER ANNOTATED
Summary: IEA from InterPro domain. Too general for well-characterized transporter.
Reason: Too general. The specific transport processes (L-cystine, L-glutamate) are better captured by more specific annotations already present.
GO:0022857 transmembrane transporter activity
IEA
GO_REF:0000002
MARK AS OVER ANNOTATED
Summary: IEA from InterPro annotation. Too general for well-characterized antiporter.
Reason: Too general. GO:0015327 (cystine:glutamate antiporter activity) is the appropriate specific molecular function.
GO:0055085 transmembrane transport
IEA
GO_REF:0000002
MARK AS OVER ANNOTATED
Summary: IEA from InterPro. Very general biological process.
Reason: Too general. Specific transport processes are well-annotated.
GO:0016020 membrane
IEA
GO_REF:0000120
MODIFY
Summary: IEA annotation - too general for well-characterized membrane protein.
Reason: Too general. SLC7A11 is specifically localized to plasma membrane (primary) and lysosomal membrane (secondary), both of which are already annotated.
Proposed replacements: plasma membrane
GO:0016020 membrane
TAS
PMID:10206947
Cloning and expression of a plasma membrane cystine/glutamat...
MODIFY
Summary: TAS annotation from original cloning paper. Too general.
Reason: Too general. Original paper demonstrated plasma membrane localization.
Proposed replacements: plasma membrane
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:10206947
The latter protein, named xCT, showed a significant homology with those recently reported to mediate cationic or zwitterionic amino acid transport when co-expressed with 4F2hc
GO:0089718 amino acid import across plasma membrane
IDA
PMID:11417227
Identification and characterisation of human xCT that co-exp...
MODIFY
Summary: IDA from functional characterization study. While correct, this is less specific than the available terms.
Reason: Partially accurate but less specific. SLC7A11 imports L-cystine (not general amino acids) in exchange for glutamate export. GO:0015811 (L-cystine transport) is more specific and accurate.
Proposed replacements: L-cystine transport
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11417227
The amino acid transport activity induced by the co-expression of human 4F2hc and xCT in Xenopus oocytes was sodium independent and specific for L-cystine, L-glutamate and L-aspartate
GO:0043067 regulation of programmed cell death
IEA
GO_REF:0000117
MODIFY
Summary: ARBA annotation linking xCT to cell death regulation. Too vague.
Reason: Too general. SLC7A11 specifically negatively regulates ferroptosis (GO:0110076), a specific form of regulated cell death, through its role in GSH synthesis.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:21397861
CD44 variant regulates redox status in cancer cells by stabi...
REMOVE
Summary: PMID:21397861 (Ishimoto et al., 2011) showed CD44 variant interaction stabilizes xCT to regulate redox status in cancer cells.
Reason: "Protein binding" is uninformative per GO curation guidelines. The specific interaction with CD44 variant (CD44v) that stabilizes xCT would be better captured by a more specific term if available.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:21397861
CD44 variant (CD44v) interacts with xCT, a glutamate-cystine transporter, and controls the intracellular level of reduced glutathione (GSH)
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:27173435
An organelle-specific protein landscape identifies novel dis...
REMOVE
Summary: High-throughput protein interaction study.
Reason: "Protein binding" is uninformative. HT-PPI studies often capture non-specific or context-dependent interactions.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:27173435
Here we use affinity proteomics, genetics and cell biology to interrogate cilia
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:32296183
A reference map of the human binary protein interactome.
REMOVE
Summary: Binary protein interactome mapping study. Detected interactions with SLC3A2-4 isoform and keratin-associated proteins.
Reason: "Protein binding" is uninformative. The SLC3A2 interaction is essential for function and better captured by complex formation annotations; keratin interactions may be non-specific.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:32296183
Here we present a human 'all-by-all' reference interactome map of human binary protein interactions, or 'HuRI'
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:32296183
A reference map of the human binary protein interactome.
REMOVE
Summary: Binary protein interactome mapping study - additional interaction.
Reason: "Protein binding" is uninformative per GO guidelines.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:32296183
Here we present a human 'all-by-all' reference interactome map of human binary protein interactions, or 'HuRI'
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:32296183
A reference map of the human binary protein interactome.
REMOVE
Summary: Binary protein interactome mapping study - third interaction.
Reason: "Protein binding" is uninformative per GO guidelines.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:32296183
Here we present a human 'all-by-all' reference interactome map of human binary protein interactions, or 'HuRI'
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:34880232
Molecular basis for redox control by the human cystine/gluta...
REMOVE
Summary: Structural study showing xCT-SLC3A2 complex. The interaction with SLC3A2 is essential for function.
Reason: "Protein binding" is uninformative. The xCT-SLC3A2 heterodimer formation is a functional requirement, not just protein binding. This is better represented by the complex formation in ComplexPortal (CPX-8190).
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:34880232
Here we present the cryo-EM structure of system xc- in both the apo and glutamate bound states
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:40205054
Multimodal cell maps as a foundation for structural and func...
REMOVE
Summary: Multimodal cell maps study - high-throughput protein interaction data.
Reason: "Protein binding" is uninformative per GO guidelines.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:40205054
Here we construct a global map of human subcellular architecture through joint measurement of biophysical interactions and immunofluorescence images for over 5,100 proteins
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:40355756
The solute carrier superfamily interactome.
REMOVE
Summary: Solute carrier superfamily interactome study detecting SLC7A11-SLC3A2 interaction.
Reason: "Protein binding" is uninformative. The SLC3A2 interaction is essential for heterodimer function and better captured by functional annotations.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:40355756
Here, we used a systematic AP-MS approach to determine the protein interaction network of human solute carriers
GO:0009986 cell surface
IDA
PMID:25063885
KSHV attachment and entry are dependent on Ξ±VΞ²3 integrin loc...
ACCEPT
Summary: PMID:25063885 detected SLC7A11 at cell surface in context of KSHV entry study.
Reason: Acceptable localization annotation - cell surface is parent of plasma membrane and represents the functionally relevant location for the transporter.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:25063885
the presence of CD98 and heparan sulfate (HS), the putative attachment receptor, was more variable
GO:0031528 microvillus membrane
IEA
GO_REF:0000044
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: UniProt subcellular location annotation based on placental syncytiotrophoblast microvillus membrane localization.
Reason: Cell type-specific localization in placenta. This is a specialized localization, not universally applicable.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:34120018
xCT, which was localised to the microvillous membrane of the placental syncytiotrophoblast
GO:0031526 brush border membrane
IEA
GO_REF:0000107
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Ensembl Compara transfer from mouse ortholog - intestinal/renal brush border.
Reason: Cell type-specific localization in polarized epithelia. Not the primary localization but relevant in specific tissue contexts.
GO:0045177 apical part of cell
IEA
GO_REF:0000107
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Ensembl Compara transfer from mouse ortholog.
Reason: Cell type-specific localization in polarized cells. Consistent with brush border and microvillus membrane annotations.
GO:0097449 astrocyte projection
IEA
GO_REF:0000107
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Ensembl Compara transfer - astrocyte-specific localization.
Reason: Cell type-specific localization in astrocytes. xCT is highly expressed in brain and plays important role in astrocyte glutamate release, but this is not the universal localization.
GO:0009636 response to toxic substance
IDA
PMID:17575980
Differential expression of intestinal membrane transporters ...
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: PMID:17575980 examined differential expression of intestinal transporters in cholera patients, showing xCT involvement in response.
Reason: Context-specific response - xCT expression changes in response to toxic insults/disease states as part of oxidative stress response, but this is not the core function.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:17575980
Two amino acid transporters, SLC7A11 and SLC6A14, were upregulated in acute cholera patients compared to convalescence

Core Functions

Primary molecular function established by multiple structural and functional studies. SLC7A11 (xCT) forms a disulfide-linked heterodimer with SLC3A2 (4F2hc) to mediate Na+-independent, electroneutral 1:1 exchange of extracellular L-cystine for intracellular L-glutamate. Km values: cystine ~43-110 uM, glutamate ~48-224 uM.

Core physiological function - by providing cysteine for GSH synthesis, xCT enables GPX4 to detoxify lipid peroxides and suppress ferroptosis.

At the lysosomal membrane SLC7A11 provides a slow H+ efflux pathway. The protons are not conducted through a pore: they move as protonatable metabolites, with cystine and glutamate running down their steep and opposite gradients across the lysosomal membrane. This is a distinct pathway from the fast TMEM175-mediated H+ leak, and its loss causes lysosomal over-acidification.

Supporting Evidence:
  • PMID:40280132
    SLC7A11, the protein target of the ferroptosis-inducing compound erastin, mediates a slow lysosomal H+ leak through downward flux of cystine and glutamate
  • PMID:40280132
    proton efflux is mediated by a fast H+ leak through TMEM175 channels, as well as an unidentified slow pathway

References

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Suggested Questions for Experts

Q: Is the slow lysosomal H+ efflux attributed to SLC7A11 fully accounted for by cystine/glutamate antiport, or is there an additional, substrate-independent H+ conductance? The distinction determines whether any channel-type molecular function is warranted.

Q: Does SLC7A11-mediated kynurenine transport (PMID:35245456) represent a major physiological substrate or is it primarily relevant in specific disease contexts?

Suggested Experiments

Experiment: Comparative analysis of SLC7A11 H+ efflux vs cystine/glutamate antiport under different cellular conditions (normal vs stress, plasma membrane vs lysosome) to understand the relative contributions of the two distinct activities.

Experiment: Structure-function studies to identify residues that separate H+ efflux from antiporter activity, which could enable selective modulation of one activity without affecting the other.

Tags

ferroptosis

Deep Research

Falcon

(SLC7A11-deep-research-falcon.md)

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