Sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT)

The sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism refers to the molecular process by which glucose is actively transported across cellular membranes in the intestine and kidney via sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs), primarily SGLT1 and SGLT2. These proteins utilize the electrochemical sodium gradient generated by the Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase to co-transport sodium and glucose into cells, a symport mechanism known as secondary active transport. Sodium-glucose cotransporters are integral membrane proteins that actively move glucose into cells against its concentration gradient, by coupling glucose transport with the inward movement of sodium ions. SGLT1 is predominantly expressed in the small intestine and renal proximal tubule (S3 segment), while SGLT2 is expressed in the early proximal tubule (S1, S2 segments) and reabsorbs most of the filtered glucose in the kidney. SGLT proteins do not use ATP directly, instead harnessing energy from the sodium gradient maintained by Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase. The sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism depends on integral membrane proteins (SGLT1, SGLT2) that actively transport glucose into cells by coupling its movement to the sodium electrochemical gradient, mainly in the intestine and kidney. These transporters are clinically relevant as therapeutic targets in diabetes, with SGLT2 inhibitors representing a major drug class that lower blood glucose and confer renal and cardiovascular benefits, balanced against potential adverse effects like infection risk and ketoacidosis.

Other names

Sodium-glucose cotransporterSodium-dependent glucose cotransporterSGLTSodium/glucose cotransporterSLC5A1 (SGLT1)SLC5A2 (SGLT2)

Blockade of glucose reabsorption in kidney (SGLT2 inhibition) leading to glucosuria and lower blood glucose. Inhibition of intestinal glucose absorption (SGLT1 inhibition). Modulation of sodium and fluid balance.