SLC2A4

Domain

The dileucine internalization motif is critical for intracellular sequestration.

Function

Insulin-regulated facilitative glucose transporter, which plays a key role in removal of glucose from circulation (PubMed:26240143, PubMed:26629404). Response to insulin is regulated by its intracellular localization: in the absence of insulin, it is efficiently retained intracellularly within storage compartments in muscle and fat cells (PubMed:26240143, PubMed:26629404). Upon insulin stimulation, translocates from these compartments to the cell surface where it transports glucose from the extracellular milieu into the cell (PubMed:26240143, PubMed:26629404).

Involvement in disease

Defects in Slc2a4 may be the cause of certain post-receptor defects in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

Post-translational modifications

Sumoylated.

Palmitoylated. Palmitoylation by ZDHHC7 controls the insulin-dependent translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the major facilitator superfamily. Sugar transporter (TC 2.A.1.1) family. Glucose transporter subfamily.

Tissue specificity

Expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscles (PubMed:2654938, PubMed:26240143). Expressed in brown and white adipose tissues (PubMed:2654938, PubMed:26240143).

Cellular localization

• Cell membrane
• Multi-pass membrane protein
• Endomembrane system
• Multi-pass membrane protein
• Cytoplasm
• Perinuclear region
• Localizes primarily to the perinuclear region, undergoing continued recycling to the plasma membrane where it is rapidly reinternalized (PubMed:26629404, PubMed:26240143, PubMed:27354378). The dileucine internalization motif is critical for intracellular sequestration (PubMed:26240143, PubMed:26629404). Insulin stimulation induces translocation to the cell membrane (PubMed:27739494).

Alternative names

• GT2
• GLUT-4
• Slc2a4
• Glut4

Database links

• entrezGene:20528
• swissprot:P14142

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Cardiovascular

Molecular weight

54755Da