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The Na(+)/glucose cotransporters: from genes to therapy

R Sabino-Silva1, R C Mori, A David-Silva

  • 1Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research = Revista Brasileira De Pesquisas Medicas E Biologicas
|November 5, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This review explores sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) regulation, focusing on SGLT1 and SGLT2. It covers how diets, diabetes, and genetic defects impact SGLT function and potential drug targets for glycemic control.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Glucose transport into eukaryotic cells occurs via Na(+)/glucose cotransporters (SGLT) and facilitative glucose transporters (GLUT).
  • The SGLT family includes six members, with SGLT1 and SGLT2 (encoded by SLC5A1 and SLC5A2) being the most studied for glucose transport regulation in health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulation of SGLT expression by protein kinases and transcription factors.
  • To examine how diet composition and pathologies like diabetes alter SGLT function.
  • To discuss genetic disorders related to SGLT1 and SGLT2 dysfunction and explore pharmacological strategies targeting SGLT for glycemic control.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on SGLT regulation, function, and related pathologies.
  • Analysis of research on protein kinase and transcription factor effects on SGLT expression.
  • Examination of dietary and disease-induced alterations in SGLT activity.
  • Review of genetic defects and pharmacological interventions targeting SGLT.

Main Results:

  • SGLT expression is modulated by protein kinases and transcription factors.
  • Dietary factors and diabetes significantly impact SGLT function.
  • Aberrant SGLT1 and SGLT2 expression cause glucose-galactose malabsorption and familial renal glycosuria, respectively.
  • Antagonizing SGLT in the kidney and intestine is a promising strategy for glycemic control.

Conclusions:

  • SGLT proteins play critical roles in glucose homeostasis.
  • Dysregulation of SGLT1 and SGLT2 contributes to metabolic disorders and genetic conditions.
  • Targeting SGLT offers therapeutic potential for managing hyperglycemia.

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