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Sequence and structure of a human glucose transporter
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 6, 1985
Summary
Researchers identified the human glucose transporter protein sequence from HepG2 cells. This glucose transport protein is highly homologous, potentially identical, to the erythrocyte transporter, suggesting a common structure and function.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Glucose transport is crucial for cellular energy metabolism.
- Understanding glucose transporter structure is key to metabolic research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the amino acid sequence of the human glucose transporter protein from HepG2 cells.
- To compare the HepG2 glucose transporter with the human erythrocyte glucose transporter.
Main Methods:
- Complementary DNA (cDNA) cloning and sequencing.
- Fast atom bombardment mapping.
- Gas phase Edman degradation.
Main Results:
- The amino acid sequence of the HepG2 glucose transporter was deduced.
- HepG2 and erythrocyte glucose transporters are highly homologous, possibly identical.
- The protein has 12 predicted membrane-spanning domains and lacks a signal sequence.
- Hydrophilic domains are predicted on the cytoplasmic side.
Conclusions:
- The human glucose transporter protein sequence was elucidated.
- Structural similarities suggest conserved function across different human cell types.
- The transporter's structure is consistent with a transmembrane pore for glucose transport.