Monocarboxylate transporter 1: A promising drug-delivery target in the treatment of brain diseases and cancers.

BACKGROUND: Monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), an important membrane transport protein, mediates the translocation of monocarboxylates together with protons across biological membranes. Because of its pathological significance, MCT1 plays an important role in the progression of some diseases, such as brain diseases and cancers. METHODS: We summarize the general description of MCT1 and provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of MCT1 in brain diseases and cancers. Furthermore, this review discusses the challenges and opportunities of MCT1-targeting drug-delivery systems in the treatment of brain diseases and cancers. RESULTS: In the brain, loss of MCT1 function is associated with pathologies of degeneration and injury of the nervous system. In tumors, MCT1 regulates the activity of signaling pathways and controls the exchange of monocarboxylates in aerobic glycolysis to affect tumor metabolism, proliferation and invasion. Meanwhile, MCT1 also acts as a good biomarker for the prediction and diagnosis of cancer progressions. CONCLUSION: MCT1 is an attractive transporter in brain diseases and cancers. However, the mechanism of action for MCT1 is unclear and the application of MCT1 inhibitors in clinic is limited. This review systematically summarizes the basic characteristics of MCT1 and its role in brain diseases and cancer, laying the foundation for further research on MCT1.