Page last updated: 2024-10-24

glucose transmembrane transport

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process in which glucose is transported across a membrane. [GO_REF:0000069, GOC:TermGenie, PMID:9090050]

Glucose transmembrane transport is a crucial process for cellular energy metabolism, enabling cells to take up glucose from the extracellular environment and utilize it as fuel. The transport process is facilitated by specialized membrane proteins called glucose transporters (GLUTs), which exhibit high affinity for glucose and mediate its movement across the plasma membrane.

There are multiple GLUT isoforms, each with distinct tissue distribution and kinetic properties. GLUT1 is ubiquitously expressed and serves as the primary glucose transporter in the brain and erythrocytes. GLUT2, found primarily in the liver, pancreas, and small intestine, facilitates glucose uptake and release, playing a role in blood glucose regulation. GLUT3 is highly expressed in neurons, ensuring a constant supply of glucose for neuronal activity. GLUT4 is insulin-sensitive and found in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and heart, mediating glucose uptake in response to insulin signaling.

Glucose transport across the plasma membrane follows a passive diffusion mechanism, meaning it does not require energy expenditure. The GLUTs act as carriers, binding to glucose molecules on the extracellular side of the membrane and facilitating their passage through the lipid bilayer. The driving force for glucose transport is the concentration gradient, with glucose moving from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

The process of glucose transmembrane transport involves several key steps:

1. Glucose binding: The GLUT protein binds to a glucose molecule on the extracellular side of the membrane.
2. Conformational change: Upon glucose binding, the GLUT undergoes a conformational change, opening a channel through the membrane.
3. Glucose translocation: Glucose moves through the channel, passing from the extracellular to the intracellular environment.
4. Glucose release: Once inside the cell, glucose detaches from the GLUT protein, and the transporter reverts to its initial conformation.

The efficiency of glucose transmembrane transport is influenced by various factors, including:

* Glucose concentration gradient: A larger concentration gradient between the extracellular and intracellular compartments promotes faster transport.
* Insulin levels: Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of GLUT4 transporters on the cell surface.
* Cellular energy demands: Cells with high energy requirements exhibit increased glucose transport activity.

Glucose transmembrane transport is essential for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis and supporting various physiological functions. Dysregulation of this process can lead to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, where impaired glucose uptake results in hyperglycemia. Understanding the mechanisms of glucose transport is crucial for developing therapies targeting these diseases and improving human health.'
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Proteins (9)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 9A solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 9 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9NRM0]Homo sapiens (human)
Sodium/myo-inositol cotransporter 2A sodium/myo-inositol cotransporter 2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q8WWX8]Homo sapiens (human)
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor deltaA peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q03181]Homo sapiens (human)
Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 4A solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 4 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P14672]Homo sapiens (human)
Sodium/glucose cotransporter 1A sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P13866]Homo sapiens (human)
Sodium/glucose cotransporter 1A sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P13866]Homo sapiens (human)
Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 3A solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 3 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P11169]Homo sapiens (human)
Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 2A solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P11168]Homo sapiens (human)
Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 1A solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P11166]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (88)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
inositol1D-chiro-inositol : Belonging to the inositol family of compounds, D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is an isomer of glucose. It is an important secondary messenger in insulin signal transduction.

inositol : Any cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol.

Inositol: An isomer of glucose that has traditionally been considered to be a B vitamin although it has an uncertain status as a vitamin and a deficiency syndrome has not been identified in man. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1379) Inositol phospholipids are important in signal transduction.

muco-inositol : An inositol that is cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol having a (1R,2R,3r,4R,5S,6r)-configuration.
cyclitol;
hexol
orotic acidorotic acid : A pyrimidinemonocarboxylic acid that is uracil bearing a carboxy substituent at position C-6.

Orotic Acid: An intermediate product in PYRIMIDINE synthesis which plays a role in chemical conversions between DIHYDROFOLATE and TETRAHYDROFOLATE.
pyrimidinemonocarboxylic acidEscherichia coli metabolite;
metabolite;
mouse metabolite
uric acid6-hydroxy-1H-purine-2,8(7H,9H)-dione : A tautomer of uric acid having oxo groups at C-2 and C-8 and a hydroxy group at C-6.

7,9-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6,8(3H)-trione : An oxopurine in which the purine ring is substituted by oxo groups at positions 2, 6, and 8.

uric acid : An oxopurine that is the final oxidation product of purine metabolism.

Uric Acid: An oxidation product, via XANTHINE OXIDASE, of oxypurines such as XANTHINE and HYPOXANTHINE. It is the final oxidation product of purine catabolism in humans and primates, whereas in most other mammals URATE OXIDASE further oxidizes it to ALLANTOIN.
uric acidEscherichia coli metabolite;
human metabolite;
mouse metabolite
gw 2433GW 2433: binds peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha); structure in first source
clofibric acidclofibric acid : A monocarboxylic acid that is isobutyric acid substituted at position 2 by a p-chlorophenoxy group. It is a metabolite of the drug clofibrate.

Clofibric Acid: An antilipemic agent that is the biologically active metabolite of CLOFIBRATE.
aromatic ether;
monocarboxylic acid;
monochlorobenzenes
anticholesteremic drug;
antilipemic drug;
antineoplastic agent;
herbicide;
marine xenobiotic metabolite;
PPARalpha agonist
gossypolGossypol: A dimeric sesquiterpene found in cottonseed (GOSSYPIUM). The (-) isomer is active as a male contraceptive (CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS, MALE) whereas toxic symptoms are associated with the (+) isomer.
phloretindihydrochalconesantineoplastic agent;
plant metabolite
pirinixic acidpirinixic acid: structurearyl sulfide;
organochlorine compound;
pyrimidines
phlorhizinaryl beta-D-glucoside;
dihydrochalcones;
monosaccharide derivative
antioxidant;
plant metabolite
cytidinecytidinesEscherichia coli metabolite;
human metabolite;
mouse metabolite;
Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite
cycloheximidecycloheximide : A dicarboximide that is 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperidine-2,6-dione in which one of the hydrogens attached to the carbon bearing the hydroxy group is replaced by a 3,5-dimethyl-2-oxocyclohexyl group. It is an antibiotic produced by the bacterium Streptomyces griseus.

Cycloheximide: Antibiotic substance isolated from streptomycin-producing strains of Streptomyces griseus. It acts by inhibiting elongation during protein synthesis.
antibiotic fungicide;
cyclic ketone;
dicarboximide;
piperidine antibiotic;
piperidones;
secondary alcohol
anticoronaviral agent;
bacterial metabolite;
ferroptosis inhibitor;
neuroprotective agent;
protein synthesis inhibitor
methyleugenolmethyleugenol: structurephenylpropanoid
emetineemetine : A pyridoisoquinoline comprising emetam having methoxy substituents at the 6'-, 7'-, 10- and 11-positions. It is an antiprotozoal agent and emetic. It inhibits SARS-CoV2, Zika and Ebola virus replication and displays antimalarial, antineoplastic and antiamoebic properties.

Emetine: The principal alkaloid of ipecac, from the ground roots of Uragoga (or Cephaelis) ipecacuanha or U. acuminata, of the Rubiaceae. It is used as an amebicide in many different preparations and may cause serious cardiac, hepatic, or renal damage and violent diarrhea and vomiting. Emetine inhibits protein synthesis in EUKARYOTIC CELLS but not PROKARYOTIC CELLS.
isoquinoline alkaloid;
pyridoisoquinoline
antiamoebic agent;
anticoronaviral agent;
antiinfective agent;
antimalarial;
antineoplastic agent;
antiprotozoal drug;
antiviral agent;
autophagy inhibitor;
emetic;
expectorant;
plant metabolite;
protein synthesis inhibitor
myristic acidMyristic Acid: A saturated 14-carbon fatty acid occurring in most animal and vegetable fats, particularly butterfat and coconut, palm, and nutmeg oils. It is used to synthesize flavor and as an ingredient in soaps and cosmetics. (From Dorland, 28th ed)

tetradecanoate : A long-chain fatty acid anion that is the conjugate base of myristic acid; major species at pH 7.3.

tetradecanoic acid : A straight-chain, fourteen-carbon, long-chain saturated fatty acid mostly found in milk fat.
long-chain fatty acid;
straight-chain saturated fatty acid
algal metabolite;
Daphnia magna metabolite;
EC 3.1.1.1 (carboxylesterase) inhibitor;
human metabolite
c 137C 137: RN given refers to parent cpd
imidocarbImidocarb: One of ANTIPROTOZOAL AGENTS used especially against BABESIA in livestock. Toxicity has been reported.ureasantiprotozoal drug
bezafibratearomatic ether;
monocarboxylic acid;
monocarboxylic acid amide;
monochlorobenzenes
antilipemic drug;
environmental contaminant;
geroprotector;
xenobiotic
colforsinColforsin: Potent activator of the adenylate cyclase system and the biosynthesis of cyclic AMP. From the plant COLEUS FORSKOHLII. Has antihypertensive, positive inotropic, platelet aggregation inhibitory, and smooth muscle relaxant activities; also lowers intraocular pressure and promotes release of hormones from the pituitary gland.acetate ester;
cyclic ketone;
labdane diterpenoid;
organic heterotricyclic compound;
tertiary alpha-hydroxy ketone;
triol
adenylate cyclase agonist;
anti-HIV agent;
antihypertensive agent;
plant metabolite;
platelet aggregation inhibitor;
protein kinase A agonist
fenofibric acidfenofibric acid : A monocarboxylic acid that is 2-methylpropanoic acid substituted by a 4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)phenoxy group at position 2. It is a metabolite of the drug fenofibrate.

fenofibric acid: RN given refers to parent cpd without isomeric designation; structure
aromatic ketone;
chlorobenzophenone;
monocarboxylic acid
drug metabolite;
marine xenobiotic metabolite
telmisartantelmisartan : A member of the class of benzimidazoles used widely in the treatment of hypertension.

Telmisartan: A biphenyl compound and benzimidazole derivative that acts as an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist. It is used in the management of HYPERTENSION.
benzimidazoles;
biphenyls;
carboxybiphenyl
angiotensin receptor antagonist;
antihypertensive agent;
EC 3.4.15.1 (peptidyl-dipeptidase A) inhibitor;
environmental contaminant;
xenobiotic
vexibinolsophoraflavanone G : A tetrahydroxyflavanone having a structure of naringenin bearing an additional hydroxyl substituent at position 2' as well as a (2R)-5-methyl-2-(prop-1-en-2-yl)hex-4-en-1-yl (lavandulyl) substituent at position 8'.

vexibinol: flavanol from Sophora; structure in first source; RN given refers to (S-(R*,S*))-isomer
(2S)-flavan-4-one;
4'-hydroxyflavanones;
tetrahydroxyflavanone
antimalarial;
antimicrobial agent;
antioxidant;
plant metabolite
rosiglitazoneaminopyridine;
thiazolidinediones
EC 6.2.1.3 (long-chain-fatty-acid--CoA ligase) inhibitor;
ferroptosis inhibitor;
insulin-sensitizing drug
2-bromopalmitate2-bromohexadecanoic acid : A bromo fatty acid that is hexadecanoic (palmitic) acid carrying a single bromo substituent at position 2.

2-bromopalmitate: inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation; RN given refers to parent cpd
2-bromocarboxylic acid;
bromo fatty acid;
long-chain fatty acid;
straight-chain fatty acid
fatty acid oxidation inhibitor
1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediarylmethane
mmv665852MMV665852: an antischistosomal agent
1,3,4,10-Tetrahydro-9(2H)-acridinoneacridines
mk 7675-((2,4-dioxo-5-thiazolidinyl)methyl)-2-methoxy-N-((4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methyl)benzamide: an antihyperlipidemic agent that also functions as an insulin sensitizer, PPARalpha agonist, and PPARgamma agonist; structure in first source
anacardic acidanacardic acid : A hydroxybenzoic acid that is salicylic acid substituted by a pentadecyl group at position 6. It is a major component of cashew nut shell liquid and exhibits an extensive range of bioactivities.

anacardic acid: isolated from Anacardium occidentale; monophenol monooxygenase inhibitor
hydroxy monocarboxylic acid;
hydroxybenzoic acid
anti-inflammatory agent;
antibacterial agent;
anticoronaviral agent;
apoptosis inducer;
EC 2.3.1.48 (histone acetyltransferase) inhibitor;
EC 3.4.22.69 (SARS coronavirus main proteinase) inhibitor;
neuroprotective agent;
plant metabolite
farglitazarfarglitazar: a non-thiazolidinedione insulin sensitiser and PPARgamma agonist
anisomycin(-)-anisomycin : An antibiotic isolated from various Streptomyces species. It interferes with protein and DNA synthesis by inhibiting peptidyl transferase or the 80S ribosome system.

Anisomycin: An antibiotic isolated from various Streptomyces species. It interferes with protein and DNA synthesis by inhibiting peptidyl transferase or the 80S ribosome system.
monohydroxypyrrolidine;
organonitrogen heterocyclic antibiotic
anticoronaviral agent;
antimicrobial agent;
antineoplastic agent;
antiparasitic agent;
bacterial metabolite;
DNA synthesis inhibitor;
protein synthesis inhibitor
syringaresinol(+)-syringaresinol : The (7alpha,7'alpha,8alpha,8'alpha)-stereoisomer of syringaresinol.syringaresinolantineoplastic agent
oleic acidoleic acid : An octadec-9-enoic acid in which the double bond at C-9 has Z (cis) stereochemistry.

Oleic Acid: An unsaturated fatty acid that is the most widely distributed and abundant fatty acid in nature. It is used commercially in the preparation of oleates and lotions, and as a pharmaceutical solvent. (Stedman, 26th ed)
octadec-9-enoic acidantioxidant;
Daphnia galeata metabolite;
EC 3.1.1.1 (carboxylesterase) inhibitor;
Escherichia coli metabolite;
mouse metabolite;
plant metabolite;
solvent
jp-1302
epipinoresinolepipinoresinol : An enantiomer of pinoresinol having (+)-(1R,3aR,4S,6aR)-configuration.pinoresinolmarine metabolite;
plant metabolite
1,4,8-trimethyl-12-quinolino[2,3-b]quinolinamineaminoquinoline
2',4',6'-Trihydroxydihydrochalconechalcones
t 0070907T 0070907: a PPARgamma antagonist; structure in first sourcecarbonyl compound;
organohalogen compound
gsk 3787
polysulfide rubber
2-chloro-n(6)-(3-iodobenzyl)adenosine-5'-n-methyluronamide2-chloro-N(6)-(3-iodobenzyl)adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide: structure given in first source
2-[2-methoxyethyl-(1-oxo-2-thiophen-2-ylethyl)amino]-N-[(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-2-(4-propan-2-ylphenyl)acetamidemonoterpenoid
gw 7647GW 7647 : A monocarboxylic acid that is 2-(phenylsulfanyl)isobutyric acid in which the phenyl group is substituted at the para- position by a 3-aza-7-cyclohexylhept-1-yl group in which the nitrogen is acylated by a (cyclohexylamino)carbonyl group.

GW 7647: a PPAR-alpha agonist; structure in first source
aryl sulfide;
monocarboxylic acid;
ureas
PPARalpha agonist
quercetin7-hydroxyflavonol;
pentahydroxyflavone
antibacterial agent;
antineoplastic agent;
antioxidant;
Aurora kinase inhibitor;
chelator;
EC 1.10.99.2 [ribosyldihydronicotinamide dehydrogenase (quinone)] inhibitor;
geroprotector;
phytoestrogen;
plant metabolite;
protein kinase inhibitor;
radical scavenger
kaempferol7-hydroxyflavonol;
flavonols;
tetrahydroxyflavone
antibacterial agent;
geroprotector;
human blood serum metabolite;
human urinary metabolite;
human xenobiotic metabolite;
plant metabolite
genistein7-hydroxyisoflavonesantineoplastic agent;
EC 5.99.1.3 [DNA topoisomerase (ATP-hydrolysing)] inhibitor;
geroprotector;
human urinary metabolite;
phytoestrogen;
plant metabolite;
tyrosine kinase inhibitor
myricetin7-hydroxyflavonol;
hexahydroxyflavone
antineoplastic agent;
antioxidant;
cyclooxygenase 1 inhibitor;
food component;
geroprotector;
hypoglycemic agent;
plant metabolite
psi-baptigeninpseudobaptigenin : A member of the class of 7-hydroxyisoflavones that is 7-hydroxyisoflavone and in which the phenyl group at position 3 is replaced by a 1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl group.7-hydroxyisoflavones;
benzodioxoles
antiprotozoal drug;
plant metabolite
n-oleoylethanolamineN-oleoylethanolamine: ceramidase inhibitor

oleoyl ethanolamide : An N-(long-chain-acyl)ethanolamine that is the ethanolamide of oleic acid. The monounsaturated analogue of the endocannabinoid anandamide.
endocannabinoid;
N-(long-chain-acyl)ethanolamine;
N-acylethanolamine 18:1
EC 3.5.1.23 (ceramidase) inhibitor;
geroprotector;
PPARalpha agonist
cytochalasin bcytochalasin B : An organic heterotricyclic compound, that is a mycotoxin which is cell permeable an an inhibitor of cytoplasmic division by blocking the formation of contractile microfilaments.

Cytochalasin B: A cytotoxic member of the CYTOCHALASINS.
cytochalasin;
lactam;
lactone;
organic heterotricyclic compound
actin polymerisation inhibitor;
metabolite;
mycotoxin;
platelet aggregation inhibitor
pd 166285
pd-173952
pregna-4,17-diene-3,16-dionepregna-4,17-diene-3,16-dione: steroid from guggulu extract; RN & N1 from C1 Form index; RN given refers to cpd without isomeric designation; structure in first source; antagonist of farnesoid X receptor3-hydroxy steroidandrogen
2',4',6'-trihydroxychalconepinocembrin chalcone : A member of the class of chalcones that is trans-chalcone substituted by hydroxy groups at positions 2', 4' and 6' respectively.

pinocembrin chalcone: isolated from Helichrysum trilineatum; structure in first source
chalconesantifungal agent;
plant metabolite
gw 1929GW 1929: activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma; structure in first sourcebenzophenones
l-1650414-(3-(2-propyl-3-hydroxy-4-acetyl)phenoxy)propyloxyphenoxy acetic acid: a PPAR-delta agonist has regulatory effects on a variety of adipokines, and these effects might explain some of their metabolic function.aromatic ketone
gw 501516GW 501516 : An aromatic ether that is phenoxyacetic acid in which the phenyl group is substituted at position 2 by a methyl group and at position 4 by a (1,3-thiazol-5-ylmethyl)sulfanediyl group, and in which the 1,3-thiazolyl group is substituted at positions 2 and 4 by p-trifluoromethylphenyl and methyl groups, respectively.

GW 501516: a selective PPARdelta agonist; structure in first source
1,3-thiazoles;
aromatic ether;
aryl sulfide;
monocarboxylic acid;
organofluorine compound
carcinogenic agent;
PPARbeta/delta agonist
sergliflozin etabonatesergliflozin: a hypoglycemic agent that inhibits SGLT2 sodium-glucose transporter; structure in first sourceglycoside
tzd 18
gft505
gw 9578GW 9578: a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist; structure in first source
gw 7845GW 7845: ligand of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma; structure in first source
remogliflozin etabonateremogliflozin etabonate: orally administered hypoglycemic agent; structure in first sourceglycoside
dapagliflozinaromatic ether;
C-glycosyl compound;
monochlorobenzenes
hypoglycemic agent;
sodium-glucose transport protein subtype 2 inhibitor
naveglitazarnaveglitazar: LY-519818 is the (alpha-S)-isomer; an antidiabetic agent; structure in first sourcearomatic ether
l 796449L 796449: a peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist; structure in first source
gw0742GW 610742: structure in first sourcemonocarboxylic acid
3-chloro-4-(3-(7-propyl-3-trifluoromethyl-6-benzisoxazolyl)propylthio)phenylacetic acid
ns-220
gw 5907352-methyl-2-(4-(((4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-thiazol-5-ylcarbonyl)amino)methyl)phenoxy)propionic acid: an HDLc raising agent; structure in first source
aleglitazaraleglitazar: a dual peroxisome PPAR-alpha and PPAR-gamma agonist for type 2 diabetes
ipragliflozinglycoside
mbx-8025seladelpar: PPAR-delta agonist
gw9508GW9508: structure in first sourcearomatic amine
lj 529
empagliflozinaromatic ether;
C-glycosyl compound;
monochlorobenzenes;
tetrahydrofuryl ether
hypoglycemic agent;
sodium-glucose transport protein subtype 2 inhibitor
1,5-anhydro-1-(5-(4-ethoxybenzyl)-2-methoxy-4-methylphenyl)-1-thioglucitoldiarylmethane
bms 687453
amorfrutin aamorfrutin A: an antidiabetic agent that inhibits NF-kappaB activation; structure in first sourcestilbenoid
nothofaginnothofagin: a dihydrochalcone
amorfrutin bamorfrutin B: structure in first source
canagliflozincanagliflozin hydrate : A hydrate that is the hemihydrate form of canagliflozin. Used for treatment of type II diabetes via inhibition of sodium-glucose transport protein subtype 2.C-glycosyl compound;
organofluorine compound;
thiophenes
hypoglycemic agent;
sodium-glucose transport protein subtype 2 inhibitor
glucopiericidin aglucopiericidin A: from Streptomyces pactum S48727 as co-metabolite of piericidin A(1); structure given in first source; glycoside antibiotic
pf 04971729ertugliflozin: structure in first sourcediarylmethane
gsk0660GSK0660: PPAR antagonist; structure in first sourcesulfonamide
wzb117WZB117: structure in first source
deberza2-benzofurans
hesperadin
ly 518674LY 518674: a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist; structure in first source