Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 mRNA (SGLT2 mRNA) (SGLT2 mRNA)

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) mRNA, encoded by the SLC5A2 gene, serves as the template for the synthesis of the SGLT2 protein, a high-capacity transporter located in the renal proximal tubule (UniProt P31639). This protein is responsible for reabsorbing approximately 90% of filtered glucose from the primary urine back into the bloodstream (PubMed: 21822215). Targeting the SGLT2 mRNA using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) or RNA interference (RNAi) aims to reduce the total pool of SGLT2 protein, thereby promoting glucosuria and lowering plasma glucose levels in an insulin-independent manner (PubMed: 22334593). This approach is primarily investigated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, where it helps mitigate hyperglycemia and associated metabolic complications. Additionally, the reduction of SGLT2 activity has been linked to nephroprotective and cardioprotective effects, making the mRNA a strategic target for managing chronic kidney disease and heart failure (PubMed: 30219117). While small molecule inhibitors (gliflozins) are the clinical standard, mRNA-targeted agents like ISIS 388626 have demonstrated the feasibility of this modality in early-stage clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00706342).

Other names

SLC5A2 mRNASodium/glucose cotransporter 2 messenger RNASolute carrier family 5 member 2 mRNA

Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated degradation of mRNA via RNase H or RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce SGLT2 protein expression.