A Study on Biological Functions of Glut 4: Mechanisms of Glut 4 Intracellular Trafficking and Insulin Response

Abstract

Glucose Transporter 4 (GLUT4) is a twelve transmembraneprotein of the Major Facilitator Super family that facilitates the diffusion ofD-glucose across the cell membrane. GLUT4 is predominantly expressed inadipocytes and muscle cells, which are the major sites of postprandial glucosedisposal in the body. Among the different glucose transporter isoforms, GLUT4is distinguished by its intracellular distribution and responsiveness to thehormone, insulin. The protein synthesized is targeted to distinct intracellularcompartments and is acutely redistributed to the plasma membrane in response tovarious stimuli. Upon stimulation with insulin, an intricate signaling cascadeoccurs in these cells which results in the movement of these vesicles towardsthe plasma membrane.