Gene

Sodium

Cell biology

Biology

Solute carrier family

Endocrinology

Biochemistry

Monosaccharide

Insulin

Glucose uptake

Transporter

Organic chemistry

Medicine

Glucose transporter

Chemistry

Cotransporter

Diabetes mellitus

Journal of Diabetes Investigation

Glucose is the most abundant monosaccharide, and an essential source of energy for most living cells. Glucose transport across the cell membrane is mediated by two types of transporters: facilitative glucose transporters (gene name: solute carrier 2A) and sodium–glucose cotransporters (SGLTs; gene name: solute carrier 5A). Each transporter has its own substrate specificity, distribution, and regulatory mechanisms. Recently, SGLT1 and SGLT2 have attracted much attention as therapeutic targets for various diseases. This review addresses the basal and functional properties of glucose transporters and SGLTs, and describes the pharmaceutical potential of SGLT1 and SGLT2.

Sodium–glucose cotransporters: Functional properties and pharmaceutical potential