Cationic amino acid transporter PQLC 2 is a potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer

Tumor cells overexpress amino acid transporters to meet the increased demand for amino acids. PQ loop repeat‐containing ( PQLC )2 is a cationic amino acid transporter that might be involved in cancer progression. Here, we show that upregulation of PQLC 2 is critical to gastric cancer ( GC ) development in vitro and in vivo. Both PQLC 2 mRNA and protein were overexpressed in GC tissues, especially of the diffuse type. Overexpression of PQLC 2 promoted cell growth, anchorage independence, and tumor formation in nude mice. This was due to activation of MEK / ERK 1/2 and PI 3K/ AKT signaling. Conversely, PQLC 2 knockdown caused growth arrest and cell death of cancer cells and suppressed tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. These results suggest that targeting PQLC 2 is an effective strategy for GC treatment.