Sodium-glucose cotransporter protein type 2 (SGLT2)

Sodium-glucose cotransporter protein type 2 (SGLT2), encoded by the SLC5A2 gene, is a transmembrane protein located primarily in the early proximal tubules of the kidney. It is the main transporter responsible for reabsorbing the majority (80–90%) of glucose filtered by the kidney glomeruli, utilizing the sodium gradient to actively transport glucose from the renal filtrate back into the bloodstream. Inhibition of SGLT2 leads to increased urinary glucose excretion, making it a prominent therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases. SGLT2 inhibitors—known collectively as gliflozins—reduce blood glucose, body weight, and blood pressure, and have shown benefit in heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Mutations in SLC5A2 can cause familial renal glycosuria. Side effects of SGLT2 inhibition, while generally mild, include increased risk of certain genital and urinary tract infections, rare diabetic ketoacidosis, and dehydration from osmotic diuresis

Other names

SLC5A2Sodium/glucose cotransporter 2Solute carrier family 5 member 2

Inhibition of SGLT2 blocks renal glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule, causing increased urinary glucose excretion and reduced plasma glucose Secondary effects: Reduced body weight and blood pressure due to osmotic diuresis; improved glycemic control without hypoglycemia