Glucose transporter type 5 (GLUT5)

Glucose transporter type 5 (GLUT5) is a facilitative sugar transporter that is highly specific for transporting fructose across cell membranes, especially in the small intestine[1][2][5]. It is located mainly on the apical membrane of intestinal epithelial cells (enterocytes), enabling dietary fructose to be absorbed via facilitated diffusion[1][2][3]. Unlike other GLUT family members, GLUT5 does not transport glucose or galactose, and is insensitive to inhibitors such as phloretin and cytochalasin B[1]. It is encoded by the SLC2A5 gene in humans[2]. Besides the intestine, GLUT5 is also expressed in tissues such as skeletal muscle, brain, kidney, adipose tissue, and testis[2][6]. GLUT5 is implicated in several physiological and pathological processes: its dysregulation can result in fructose malabsorption and dietary fructose intolerance, while upregulation has been associated with obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers (notably colorectal cancer)[3][5]. Recent studies indicate that GLUT5 expression may contribute to cancer cell survival, metabolism, and metastasis[3][5]. GLUT5 is a potential therapeutic target in the fields of metabolic disease and oncology, with experimental inhibitors under investigation[3][5]. However, specific drugs have not yet reached clinical approval, and the complete molecular structure and mechanisms for all tissue types are still being elucidated[3][4].

Other names

Fructose transporter GLUT5SLC2A5Glucose transporter type 5Facilitative sugar transporter family member 5

Competitive or non-competitive inhibition of fructose transport activity, blockade of facilitated diffusion mechanism[3].