High-affinity, low capacity permease involved in the transport of the cationic amino acids (arginine, lysine and ornithine) in non-hepatic tissues. Interacts with TM4SF5; the interaction is negatively regulated by arginine (PubMed:30956113). Forms tissue-specific complexes with ASL, ASS1 and nitric oxide synthase NOS1 or NOS3; the complex regulates cell-autonomous L-arginine synthesis and citrulline recycling while channeling extracellular L-arginine to nitric oxide synthesis pathway (By similarity). Ubiquitous. Belongs to the amino acid-polyamine-organocation (APC) superfamily. Cationic amino acid transporter (CAT) (TC 2.A.3.3) family.