GLUT10

GLUT10, also known as SLC2A10, is a member of the solute carrier family 2 (SLC2), which comprises facilitative glucose transporters. This transporter is primarily responsible for the cellular uptake of glucose and other hexose sugars, playing an important role in maintaining glucose homeostasis. Unlike other GLUT family members that are widely expressed, GLUT10 exhibits a more tissue-specific distribution, with notable expression in the liver, adipose tissue, and certain regions of the brain.

The SLC2A10 gene encodes the GLUT10 protein, which is characterized by its membrane-spanning domains that facilitate the transport of sugars across cellular membranes through facilitated diffusion. Structural studies suggest that GLUT10 has unique features that distinguish it from other GLUT proteins, possibly influencing its substrate affinity and transport efficiency.

GLUT10 has been implicated in various physiological processes, including glucose metabolism, insulin signaling, and lipid regulation. Mutations in the SLC2A10 gene are associated with a rare genetic disorder called arterial tortuosity syndrome, characterized by abnormal elongation and twisting of arteries, which suggests a role for GLUT10 in connective tissue integrity and vascular health.

Research on GLUT10 continues to explore its potential involvement in metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Its specific functions and mechanisms remain under investigation, with ongoing studies aiming to better understand its contribution to cellular and systemic glucose regulation. Due to its restricted tissue distribution and unique properties, GLUT10 may also represent a target for therapeutic interventions in metabolic and vascular disorders.