Transportadores de glucosa [GLUT y SGLT] | Bioquímica

Glucose Transporters: Functions and Distribution

In this section, the video discusses glucose transporters, specifically focusing on GLUT and SGLT transporters, their characteristics, distribution, and functions in the human body.

Glucose Transporter Families

• There are two families of glucose transporters in humans: GLUT and SGLT.

• These transporters facilitate facilitated diffusion or passive transport of glucose from areas of high concentration to low concentration.

• GLUT1 is found in blood (red blood cells), endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier, and to some extent in heart cells. It is insulin-independent.

• GLUT2 is present in the liver, pancreas, and small intestine. It has a high Km value indicating low affinity for glucose.

Insulin-Dependent Transporters

• GLUT4 is insulin-dependent and found in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the heart. Its formation is disrupted in type 2 diabetes.

• Other insulin-dependent transporters include GLUT8 and GLUT12.

SGLT Transporters: Sodium Dependent

This part delves into SGLT transporters that are sodium-dependent for glucose transportation.

SGLT Characteristics

• SGLTs are sodium-dependent glucose transporters that utilize secondary active transport mechanisms.

• SGLT1 is located in the small intestine's brush border for glucose absorption. It is independent of insulin but dependent on sodium.

Conclusion

Key Takeaways:

• Glucose Homeostasis: GLUT and SGLT play crucial roles in maintaining glucose balance throughout the body.

• Insulin Dependency: Understanding insulin-dependent vs. independent transporters sheds light on metabolic processes like diabetes development.