GLUT4 is an insulin-sensitive glucose transporter that facilitates insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and cardiac tissues that specifically express this protein. It is a twelve transmembrane domain multi-pass protein found only in the endosome system and perinuclear cytoplasm. Upon insulin stimulation, GLUT4 translocates to the cell surface. Because of its role in glucose homeostasis, GLUT4 is the key regulator of obesity and obesity-related disease. The reduction of GLUT4 gene expression is directly related to insulin resistance development and Type 2 diabetes.
A recent detailed review from Govers describes interesting aspects of the intracellular regulation of GLUT4 in adipocytes; regulation is dominated by localization, intracellular retention, and sensitivity to insulin (1). Another comprehensive review from Klip’s group focuses on examining both the signaling relays and the structural components of how GLUT4 is rapidly mobilized and incorporated into the cell surface microenvironment (2). Current thoughts on the links between new-onset diabetes and GLUT4 physiology are shared in a mechanistic review from McGill University (3). Their meta-analyses indicate that while the benefits of statins justifies their prevalent use, more detailed monitoring and management of incidences of new-onset diabetes needs occur. Additionally, the GLUT4 antibody was used in immunohistochemistry experiments by Gauger et al from the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute (4). They focused on the role of Wnt signaling on preadipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis and found that the Wnt antagonist SFRP1 is crucial for obesity onset in their mouse model.
Novus Biologicals offers GLUT4 reagents for your research needs including:
PMIDs
