Glucose transporter 2 (SLC2A2) (GLUT2)

Glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), encoded by the SLC2A2 gene, is a high-capacity, low-affinity facilitated glucose transporter primarily expressed in the liver, kidney, small intestine, and pancreatic beta cells. Unlike the insulin-regulated GLUT4 found in muscle and adipose tissue, GLUT2 is considered a 'permissive' transporter because its high Michaelis constant (Km) allows glucose to freely equilibrate across the plasma membrane in proportion to extracellular concentrations. This characteristic is essential for its role as a glucose sensor in the pancreas and for the rapid uptake or release of glucose by the liver during metabolic shifts. Mutations in GLUT2 are associated with Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, a rare glycogen storage disease characterized by hepatomegaly and renal tubular dysfunction. While not a common target for approved systemic drugs, GLUT2 is a critical focus in metabolic research and gene therapy, particularly for its role in maintaining systemic glucose homeostasis and its potential as a portal for liver-specific drug delivery.

Other names

Solute carrier family 2 member 2SLC2A2Liver-type glucose transporterGlucose transporter type 2, liver

Facilitated diffusion of glucose across cell membranes; acts as a high-capacity, low-affinity transporter allowing glucose equilibration in permissive tissues.