Sodium-coupled myo-inositol transporter 2 (SMIT2) (SMIT2)

Sodium-coupled myo-inositol transporter 2 (SMIT2), also known as SLC5A11 or SGLT6, is a member of the solute carrier family 5 that facilitates the transport of myo-inositol and various hexoses, including glucose and xylose, across the plasma membrane using a sodium gradient (UniProt: P58511). Unlike its relative SMIT1, SMIT2 is not significantly regulated by osmotic stress but is highly expressed in the small intestine and kidney, where it contributes to the absorption and reabsorption of inositol and sugars (PubMed: 17403912). This transporter is essential for maintaining intracellular inositol levels, which serve as precursors for phosphoinositide signaling molecules involved in numerous cellular processes (NCBI Gene: 115584). In disease states, SMIT2 has been linked to metabolic conditions like diabetes due to its ability to transport glucose, and it is also investigated in the context of neurological disorders where inositol metabolism is dysregulated (PubMed: 22403270). While specific clinical drugs targeting SMIT2 are limited, it is inhibited by phlorizin and is a subject of interest for developing selective inhibitors to manage glycemic levels or modulate inositol-dependent signaling pathways (PubChem: SLC5A11). Research suggests that SMIT2 may also play a role in the transport of D-chiro-inositol, which is relevant for insulin sensitivity (PubMed: 17403912). Its unique substrate profile distinguishes it from other SGLT family members, making it a potential target for niche metabolic therapies.

Other names

SLC5A11Solute carrier family 5 member 11Sodium/myo-inositol cotransporter 2SGLT6Sodium/glucose cotransporter 6KST1

Competitive inhibition of sodium-dependent myo-inositol and glucose transport; substrate-mediated transport modulation