Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between GLUT2 and GLUT4?

Guilherme Mazui

•2 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between GLUT2 and GLUT4?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

GLUT2 and GLUT4 are two types of glucose transporters in the GLUT or SLC2A carrier protein family, which transport glucose into the cell through facilitated diffusion. However, there are some key differences between them:

  1. Insulin-dependence: GLUT2 is an insulin-independent transmembrane carrier protein, while GLUT4 is an insulin-dependent transmembrane carrier protein.
  2. Substrate specificity: GLUT2 is a high-affinity glucosamine transporter, while GLUT4 is a glucose transporter.
  3. Tissue distribution: GLUT2 is found in the pancreas, liver, kidneys, hypothalamus, the basolateral membrane of the small intestine, and basolateral membrane of renal tubular cells. GLUT4, on the other hand, is found in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and cardiac muscle.
  4. Bidirectional transport: GLUT2 allows movement of glucose both into and out of the cell, making it bidirectional.

In summary, GLUT2 and GLUT4 are both glucose transporters, but they differ in their insulin-dependence, substrate specificity, tissue distribution, and transport directionality.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between GLUT2 and GLUT4?
  • Comparative Table: GLUT2 vs GLUT4

    • Comparative Table: GLUT2 vs GLUT4

    Here is a table comparing the differences between GLUT2 and GLUT4:

    Feature GLUT2 GLUT4
    Insulin dependence Insulin-independent Insulin-dependent
    Substrate Transports glucose Transports glucose
    Directionality Bidirectional Predominantly unidirectional (into the cell)
    Tissue distribution Found in the liver, pancreatic β cells, hypothalamus, and kidneys Found in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and cardiac muscle
    Function Involved in glucose uptake by the liver, pancreas, and small intestine Responsible for glucose uptake by muscle and fat cells
    Regulation Does not require insulin for activation Requires insulin for activation

    Both GLUT2 and GLUT4 are glucose transporters in the GLUT or SLC2A carrier protein family, but they differ in their insulin dependence, tissue distribution, and regulation.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.