Lysosomal amino acid transporter involved in the activation of mTORC1 in response to amino acid levels ( ). Probably acts as an amino acid sensor of the Rag GTPases and Ragulator complexes, 2 complexes involved in amino acid sensing and activation of mTORC1, a signaling complex promoting cell growth in response to growth factors, energy levels, and amino acids (, ). Following activation by amino acids, the Ragulator and Rag GTPases function as a scaffold recruiting mTORC1 to lysosomes where it is in turn activated (, ). SLC38A9 mediates transport of amino acids with low capacity and specificity with a slight preference for polar amino acids (, ). Acts as an arginine sensor ( ). Following activation by arginine binding, mediates transport of L-glutamine, leucine and tyrosine with high efficiency, and is required for the efficient utilization of these amino acids after lysosomal protein degradation (, ). However, the transport mechanism is not well defined and the role of sodium is not clear (, ). Can disassemble the lysosomal folliculin complex (LFC), and thereby triggers GAP activity of FLCN:FNIP2 toward RRAGC . Acts as an cholesterol sensor that conveys increases in lysosomal cholesterol, leading to lysosomal recruitment and activation of mTORC1 via the Rag GTPases . Guanine exchange factor (GEF) that, upon arginine binding, stimulates GDP release from RRAGA and therefore activates the Rag GTPase heterodimer and the mTORC1 pathway in response to nutrient sufficiency .
Subcellular locations: Lysosome membrane, Late endosome membrane