Glucose transporters and hexokinase (GLUT/HK)

Glucose transporters (GLUTs and SGLTs) and hexokinases (HKs) are critical components of cellular energy metabolism. Glucose transporters, such as GLUT1 and SGLT2, facilitate the entry of glucose into cells across the plasma membrane [1]. Once inside, hexokinase enzymes (notably HK2) catalyze the first step of glycolysis by phosphorylating glucose into glucose-6-phosphate, effectively trapping the sugar within the cell [2]. In many pathological states, particularly cancer, these proteins are overexpressed to support the high glycolytic rates required for rapid cell proliferation, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect [3]. Therapeutic strategies targeting this axis include SGLT2 inhibitors for the management of type 2 diabetes and experimental inhibitors of GLUT1 and HK2 aimed at starving cancer cells [4]. However, targeting these pathways requires careful management to avoid interfering with the glucose requirements of healthy tissues like the brain and red blood cells [5].

Other names

GLUTSGLTHKSLC2ASLC5AHexokinaseGlucose transporterGlucokinase

Inhibition of glucose transport (GLUT/SGLT) and inhibition of glucose phosphorylation (Hexokinase).