SLC2A1
GeneName
SLC2A1
Summary
SLC2A1, commonly referred to as GLUT-1, is a 54kDa transmembrane protein primarily responsible for the transport of D-glucose across the plasma membrane. It is expressed in various tissues, including the brain, erythrocytes, and endothelial cells, and plays a critical role in glucose homeostasis and cellular energy metabolism. GLUT-1 is localised to both the apical and basolateral plasma membranes and is involved in the transport of other sugars and metabolites, such as dehydroascorbic acid and long-chain fatty acids. Its function is vital for maintaining glucose levels in cells, particularly under conditions of hypoxia or glucose deprivation.
Importance
SLC2A1 is relevant to: - Glucose metabolism and energy production in cells, which is essential for normal cellular function - Neurological health, as it facilitates glucose transport across the blood-brain barrier, impacting brain energy supply - Cancer research, given its upregulation in many tumours, which enhances glucose uptake for rapid cell proliferation - Diabetes research, where its regulation affects insulin response and glucose homeostasis - Developmental biology, particularly in the context of central nervous system and cerebral cortex development.
Top Products
For researchers investigating SLC2A1, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies. The first is the well-cited Anti-Glucose Transporter GLUT1 antibody [EPR3915] (ab115730), which has garnered 428 citations, underscoring its reliability in the field. This monoclonal antibody is validated for use in Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), and flow cytometry (FC), making it a versatile choice for various experimental needs. Additionally, we offer the recombinant antibody, Anti-Glucose Transporter GLUT1 antibody [SP168] (ab150299), which is also validated in knockout models and suitable for the same applications. With 28 citations, this recombinant product provides the added benefit of batch-to-batch consistency, ensuring dependable results for your research on SLC2A1.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates that SLC2A1, also known as GLUT1, is extensively studied in various contexts related to glucose transport and metabolism. The use of Abcam antibodies in Western blotting across multiple species, including humans and mice, highlights its relevance in conditions such as hypoxia, cancer, and metabolic disorders. The studies often focus on the role of SLC2A1 in cellular processes like glycolysis, T-cell activation, and the effects of different treatments on glucose uptake.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Function
Facilitative glucose transporter, which is responsible for constitutive or basal glucose uptake (PubMed:10227690, PubMed:10954735, PubMed:18245775, PubMed:19449892, PubMed:25982116, PubMed:27078104, PubMed:32860739). Has a very broad substrate specificity; can transport a wide range of aldoses including both pentoses and hexoses (PubMed:18245775, PubMed:19449892). Most important energy carrier of the brain: present at the blood-brain barrier and assures the energy-independent, facilitative transport of glucose into the brain (PubMed:10227690). In association with BSG and NXNL1, promotes retinal cone survival by increasing glucose uptake into photoreceptors (By similarity). Required for mesendoderm differentiation (By similarity).
Involvement in disease
GLUT1 deficiency syndrome 1
GLUT1DS1
A neurologic disorder showing wide phenotypic variability. The most severe 'classic' phenotype comprises infantile-onset epileptic encephalopathy associated with delayed development, acquired microcephaly, motor incoordination, and spasticity. Onset of seizures, usually characterized by apneic episodes, staring spells, and episodic eye movements, occurs within the first 4 months of life. Other paroxysmal findings include intermittent ataxia, confusion, lethargy, sleep disturbance, and headache. Varying degrees of cognitive impairment can occur, ranging from learning disabilities to severe intellectual disability.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
GLUT1 deficiency syndrome 2
GLUT1DS2
A clinically variable disorder characterized primarily by onset in childhood of paroxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesia. The dyskinesia involves transient abnormal involuntary movements, such as dystonia and choreoathetosis, induced by exercise or exertion, and affecting the exercised limbs. Some patients may also have epilepsy, most commonly childhood absence epilepsy. Mild intellectual disability may also occur. In some patients involuntary exertion-induced dystonic, choreoathetotic, and ballistic movements may be associated with macrocytic hemolytic anemia.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Epilepsy, idiopathic generalized 12
EIG12
A disorder characterized by recurring generalized seizures in the absence of detectable brain lesions and/or metabolic abnormalities. Generalized seizures arise diffusely and simultaneously from both hemispheres of the brain. Seizure types include juvenile myoclonic seizures, absence seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In some EIG12 patients seizures may remit with age.
None
Disease susceptibility is associated with variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Dystonia 9
DYT9
An autosomal dominant neurologic disorder characterized by childhood onset of paroxysmal choreoathetosis and progressive spastic paraplegia. Most patients show some degree of cognitive impairment. Other variable features may include seizures, migraine headaches, and ataxia.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Stomatin-deficient cryohydrocytosis with neurologic defects
SDCHCN
A rare form of stomatocytosis characterized by episodic hemolytic anemia, cold-induced red cells cation leak, erratic hyperkalemia, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, hepatosplenomegaly, cataracts, seizures, intellectual disability, and movement disorder.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Pathway
Carbohydrate degradation.
Post-translational modifications
Phosphorylation at Ser-226 by PKC promotes glucose uptake by increasing cell membrane localization.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the major facilitator superfamily. Sugar transporter (TC 2.A.1.1) family. Glucose transporter subfamily.
Tissue Specificity
Detected in erythrocytes (at protein level). Expressed at variable levels in many human tissues.
Cellular localization
- Cell membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Melanosome
- Photoreceptor inner segment
- Localizes primarily at the cell surface (PubMed:18245775, PubMed:19449892, PubMed:23219802, PubMed:24847886, PubMed:25982116). Identified by mass spectrometry in melanosome fractions from stage I to stage IV (PubMed:17081065).
Alternative names
GLUT1, SLC2A1, HepG2 glucose transporter, GLUT-1