Transporter that mediates resorption of neutral amino acids across the apical membrane of renal and intestinal epithelial cells (  , ). This uptake is sodium-dependent and chloride-independent ( ). Requires CLTRN in kidney or ACE2 in intestine for cell surface expression and amino acid transporter activity (, ).
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane, Apical cell membrane
Colocalizes with ACE2 on the apical membrane of cells lining villi of the jejunum, ileum and on kidney proximal tubules.
Robust expression in kidney and small intestine, with minimal expression in pancreas (, ). Also expressed in stomach, liver, duodenum, ileocecum, colon and prostate. Not detected in testis, whole brain, cerebellum, fetal liver, spleen, skeletal muscle, uterus, heart or lung.