Glucose transporter (GLUT) (GLUT)

The term "Glucose receptors" is not scientifically accurate; the correct target is the **glucose transporter**. Glucose transporters, abbreviated as **GLUTs**, are a family of integral membrane proteins that mediate the facilitated diffusion of glucose and other hexoses across cellular membranes. There are at least 14 known human isoforms, classified into three main classes based on sequence similarity and function. Each isoform has distinct tissue distribution, substrate specificity, and regulatory mechanisms. Class I includes well-characterized members such as **GLUT1** (ubiquitous; basal uptake), **GLUT2** (liver, pancreas; bidirectional transport), **GLUT3** (neurons; high affinity), and **GLUT4** (muscle/adipose; insulin-responsive). These proteins play essential roles in energy metabolism by ensuring appropriate cellular uptake or release of glucose under varying physiological conditions. Alterations in their expression or function are implicated in several diseases including cancer, diabetes mellitus, genetic syndromes like GLUT1 deficiency syndrome, and some neurological disorders[1][3]. Note: The phrase "glucose receptor" is sometimes mistakenly used but does not refer to a recognized molecular entity involved in therapeutic targeting or drug development. The correct targets for drugs affecting blood sugar regulation are typically enzymes involved in metabolism or hormone receptors such as insulin receptor or glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor—not "glucose receptors." Therefore, this entry is marked as incorrect for nomenclature purposes. Key references support that these molecules should be referred to as *transporters* rather than *receptors*[1][6].

Other names

Glucose transporterGLUTSLC2A family (solute carrier family 2)Facilitative glucose transporter