= Glucose transporter
A <glucose transporter> is a <membrane transport protein> that moves <glucose> across a <cell membrane>. The category includes facilitated transporters such as <GLUT1> and <GLUT4>, and coupled carriers such as <SGLT1>. A facilitated transporter allows movement down a glucose chemical-potential difference; a sodium-coupled carrier can use the sodium <electrochemical gradient> to accumulate <glucose>. <Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th edition by Bruce Alberts and others>[Chapter 11, Carrier Proteins and Active Membrane Transport]{ref}
For <GLUT4>, changing surface abundance is itself a regulatory mechanism. Insulin-responsive trafficking can deliver pre-existing carriers to the surface, increasing transport without first synthesizing more transporter. The amount of <protein> in the whole <cell> and the amount available at its outer boundary therefore need not change together. <Potential mechanism of insulin action on glucose transport in the isolated rat adipose cell. Apparent translocation of intracellular transport systems to the plasma membrane by S. W. Cushman and others>[1980, abstract: redistribution of glucose transport activity]{ref}
Back to article page
