SLC38A1 encodes a sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter that primarily facilitates the uptake of glutamine and other short-chain neutral amino acids across cell membranes 1. The transporter operates through an electrogenic, pH-dependent mechanism driven by sodium electrochemical gradients 1. SLC38A1 plays critical roles in cellular metabolism, particularly in supporting glutamine-dependent processes including mTOR signaling activation and cellular proliferation 23. In cancer contexts, SLC38A1 is frequently overexpressed and promotes tumor progression through enhanced amino acid metabolism. Studies demonstrate its oncogenic role in colorectal cancer, where overexpression correlates with advanced TNM staging and promotes cell proliferation and migration 4. In hepatocellular carcinoma, SLC38A1 protein stability is maintained through deubiquitination by OTUD5, contributing to tumor growth 1. The transporter also shows prognostic significance in breast cancer, where high expression associates with poor patient outcomes 5. Beyond cancer, SLC38A1 regulates immune cell function, as cancer-derived factors can disrupt its expression in CD8+ T cells, leading to metabolic dysfunction and T cell exhaustion 6. Additionally, SLC38A1 contributes to placental trophoblast function and retinal pigment epithelial cell migration 23.