SLC2A4
GeneName
SLC2A4
Summary
SLC2A4, also known as GLUT4, is a 55kDa transmembrane protein that functions primarily as a D-glucose transporter, facilitating the transport of glucose across the plasma membrane in response to insulin. It is predominantly expressed in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, where it plays a critical role in glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism. GLUT4 is localised to various cellular compartments including the plasma membrane, cytoplasmic vesicles, and insulin-responsive compartments, and its translocation to the plasma membrane is regulated by insulin signalling. This protein is also involved in processes such as brown fat cell differentiation and the cellular response to hypoxia and osmotic stress.
Importance
SLC2A4 is relevant to: - Metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, due to its role in insulin-mediated glucose uptake. - Neurobiology, as it contributes to glucose transport across the blood-brain barrier, impacting brain metabolism and function. - Research on adipocyte function and differentiation, which is essential for understanding energy balance and obesity. - The study of synaptic function and memory, given its involvement in the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor receptor signalling.
Top Products
For researchers investigating SLC2A4, we recommend the well-cited polyclonal antibody, Anti-Glucose Transporter GLUT4 antibody (ab33780). This antibody is particularly noted for its performance in Western blotting (WB) and has garnered 81 citations, reflecting its reliability and trust within the research community. This product is an excellent choice for those looking to study GLUT4 with confidence in their results.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The SLC2A4 gene, which encodes the glucose transporter type 4, has been studied in the context of DHT-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using Rattus norvegicus models. The antibody ab33780 was employed in both immunofluorescence and western blotting applications to detect SLC2A4 in soleus muscle and mesenteric adipose tissue.
Abcam Product Citation Table
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. 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. Upon insulin stimulation, translocates from these compartments to the cell surface where it transports glucose from the extracellular milieu into the cell.
Involvement in disease
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
T2D
A multifactorial disorder of glucose homeostasis caused by a lack of sensitivity to insulin. Affected individuals usually have an obese body habitus and manifestations of a metabolic syndrome characterized by diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia. The disease results in long-term complications that affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.
None
The disease may be caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Post-translational modifications
Sumoylated.
Palmitoylated (PubMed:28057756). Palmitoylation by ZDHHC7 controls the insulin-dependent translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane (PubMed:28057756).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the major facilitator superfamily. Sugar transporter (TC 2.A.1.1) family. Glucose transporter subfamily.
Tissue Specificity
Skeletal and cardiac muscles; brown and white fat.
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:8300557). The dileucine internalization motif is critical for intracellular sequestration (PubMed:8300557). Insulin stimulation induces translocation to the cell membrane (By similarity).
Alternative names
GLUT4, SLC2A4, GLUT-4