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[Transepithelial transport of glucose]
1Department of Cell Biology, Gunma University, Japan.
Kaibogaku Zasshi. Journal of Anatomy
|December 9, 1998
Summary
Glucose transport across epithelial barriers is facilitated by Na(+)-dependent glucose cotransporters (SGLT) and facilitated-diffusion glucose transporters (GLUT). Polarized localization of these transporters is key for directional sugar movement.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Epithelia form essential barriers in the body.
- Transepithelial glucose transport is vital for nutrient absorption and reabsorption.
- Glucose transporters (SGLT and GLUT families) mediate this transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the roles of glucose transporters in epithelial barrier function.
- To highlight the importance of polarized localization for vectorial sugar transport.
- To review the molecular mechanisms underlying transporter localization.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on glucose transporters.
- Analysis of studies employing molecular and cell biology techniques.
- Examination of research on connexins and gap junctions in glucose transfer.
Main Results:
- Identified two main families of glucose transporters: SGLT and GLUT.
- Demonstrated the crucial role of these transporters in intestinal and kidney epithelia, and blood-tissue barriers.
- Highlighted the contribution of connexins in specific double-epithelial layers.
- Emphasized that polarized localization of transporters and connexins is fundamental for directional glucose transport.
Conclusions:
- Glucose transporters (SGLT and GLUT) and connexins are critical for transepithelial glucose transport.
- The polarized localization of these proteins is the structural basis for vectorial sugar transfer across epithelial barriers.
- Understanding these mechanisms is essential for various physiological processes.