Sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) and Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), collectively referred to as Sodium-glucose transport proteins (SGLT1 and SGLT2)

Sodium-glucose transport proteins are transmembrane symporters primarily responsible for the active uptake of glucose together with sodium ions in the intestine (SGLT1) and the reabsorption of filtered glucose in the proximal tubule of the kidney (SGLT1 and mainly SGLT2)[1][2][3][4]. SGLT1 couples the transport of two sodium ions with one glucose molecule, while SGLT2 primarily transports one sodium with one glucose[2][4]. These proteins are crucial for maintaining glucose homeostasis: SGLT2 accounts for ~97% of renal glucose reabsorption, and SGLT1 for the remaining ~3%[1]. SGLT1 also manages intestinal absorption of dietary glucose and galactose[3]. SGLT inhibitors are important therapeutic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, acting by promoting glucosuria and thus lowering blood glucose concentrations[4]. Mutations in SGLT1 cause glucose-galactose malabsorption, a rare inherited disorder[3]. SGLT proteins are members of the solute carrier family 5 (SLC5), with at least 12 known human paralogs, some of which also transport other substrates or function as sensors instead of classic transporters (e.g., SGLT3)[1][2].

Other names

Sodium-glucose coupled transporterSodium-glucose cotransporterSGLT proteinsSolute carrier family 5 member 1 (SLC5A1; SGLT1)Solute carrier family 5 member 2 (SLC5A2; SGLT2)Sodium/glucose cotransporter 1/2

Inhibition of the sodium-glucose cotransporter blocks glucose reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule, leading to increased urinary glucose excretion and decreased blood glucose Inhibition of intestinal SGLT1 (by sotagliflozin) additionally reduces glucose absorption from the gut