Interplay of non-coding RNAs with amino acid and glucose transporters within the solute carrier family in cancer: a review

Solute carrier (SLC) transporters play a central role in tumor metabolism by mediating the uptake of amino acids and sugars required for cancer cell growth and survival. Their proper function is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis, and their dysregulation contributes to metabolic reprogramming, tumor progression, and therapy resistance. Recent studies have identified non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, as key regulators of SLC transporter expression and function. This review provides a focused and comprehensive overview of the intricate regulatory networks between ncRNAs and amino acid and sugar transporters within the SLC family, highlighting their implications in cancer. We summarize current evidence on direct and indirect regulatory mechanisms, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic pathways, and discuss how these interactions reshape cancer metabolism. We highlight existing knowledge gaps, such as context-dependent regulation, indirect regulatory networks, and limited mechanistic validation in vivo. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential and challenges of targeting ncRNA-SLC networks. A deeper understanding of these interactions may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic approaches aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes.