GLUT2

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Glut2basal.png
Glucose transporter 2
Identifiers
Symbol?
NCBI gene6514
OMIM138160
RefSeq000340&rn=1 NM 000340
UniProtP11168


GLUT2 (Glucose transporter 2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC2A2 gene. It is a member of the GLUT family of membrane transport proteins, which are responsible for the transport of glucose and other hexoses across cell membranes.

Function[edit | edit source]

GLUT2 is primarily found in the liver, pancreas, kidney, and small intestine. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood glucose levels by facilitating the bidirectional transport of glucose across the cell membrane. In the liver, GLUT2 allows for the uptake of glucose during hyperglycemia and the release of glucose during hypoglycemia. In the pancreatic beta cells, GLUT2 is involved in the regulation of insulin secretion in response to blood glucose levels.

Structure[edit | edit source]

GLUT2 is a transmembrane protein with 12 membrane-spanning helices. It has a relatively low affinity for glucose compared to other glucose transporters, which allows it to function effectively in tissues that experience wide fluctuations in glucose concentrations.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the SLC2A2 gene can lead to a rare genetic disorder known as Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, which is characterized by glycogen storage disease, renal tubular dysfunction, and glucose/galactose malabsorption. Additionally, alterations in GLUT2 expression or function have been implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD