Physiological glucose transporters and metabolic enzymes

Physiological glucose transporters and metabolic enzymes encompass a diverse group of proteins essential for the regulation of glucose levels and energy metabolism in humans (Navale & Paranjape, 2016, Biophysical Reviews). This group includes the solute carrier family 2 (GLUT) and family 5 (SGLT) transporters, which mediate glucose entry into cells across various tissues (Augustin, 2010, IUBMB Life). Additionally, it includes key metabolic enzymes such as hexokinase, glucokinase, and phosphofructokinase that catalyze the rate-limiting steps of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis (StatPearls, 2023, Glycolysis). These proteins play a critical role in maintaining systemic glucose homeostasis, and their dysfunction is central to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity (Mueckler & Thorens, 2013, Molecular Aspects of Medicine). Many cancer cells exhibit upregulated glucose transport and glycolysis, known as the Warburg effect, to support rapid proliferation, making these pathways attractive targets for oncology (Ganapathy-Kanniappan & Geschwind, 2013, Molecular Cancer). Therapeutic strategies often involve specific inhibitors, such as SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., canagliflozin) which promote glucose excretion in the urine (PubChem, CID 24812758). Other interventions aim to modulate enzyme activity to restore metabolic balance or selectively starve malignant cells of energy. Overall, this collective system is fundamental to cellular bioenergetics and represents a cornerstone of pharmacological research in endocrinology and metabolic health.

Other names

Glucose transport systemGlycolytic enzymesCarbohydrate metabolism proteinsGlucose homeostasis regulators

Drugs targeting these systems typically act by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys via SGLT2 inhibition, facilitating glucose uptake into peripheral tissues through insulin-sensitizing pathways, or modulating key rate-limiting enzymes like hexokinase to alter cellular energy production (Chaudhury et al., 2017, Journal of Diabetes Research).