Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 3 (SLC2A3 (GLUT3))

Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 3 (SLC2A3), also known as glucose transporter type 3 (GLUT3), is a high-affinity glucose transporter primarily responsible for glucose uptake in neurons, but also expressed in other tissues with intense glucose demands, such as testis, placenta, certain immune cells, and various cancers[1][3][5]. It enables efficient cellular glucose influx even at low extracellular concentrations, reflecting its critical role in tissues with high and fluctuating energy requirements. SLC2A3 has higher transport capacity and affinity for glucose than most other GLUT family members, making it indispensable for normal brain function[3][5]. Aberrant SLC2A3 expression is implicated in diverse disease processes, including neurodevelopmental disorders and several cancer types, where it supports tumor growth and therapy resistance by enhancing glycolysis. It is considered a potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic target in oncology and neurology[2][4][6].

Other names

Glucose transporter type 3, brainGLUT3GLUT-3Solute carrier family 2 member 3Glucose transporter type 3SLC2A3

Inhibitors: Block glucose uptake in SLC2A3-expressing cells, limiting energy supply especially in cancer and highly metabolic cells. Indirect regulation (e.g., via miR-129-5p axis or compounds like curcumin): modulation of SLC2A3 expression may alter glycolytic metabolism and cell survival in targeted cells.