Understanding glucose transporter type 4, aka GLUT4: a novel review

Abstract

Glucose transporter (GLUT4), discovered in 1988, is primarily located in adipocytes and muscle cells. Its unique transport mechanism is characterized by a 10-fold increase in exocytosis rate, which is dependent on insulin. GLUT4’s storage vesicles and recycling pathways, as well as its role in plasma glucose homeostasis and glucose clearance, particularly in the postprandial period, present intriguing lines of research. This transporter has been associated with several metabolic disturbances and components of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risks, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, where insulin resistance plays a major role. At present, there are various methods available to study this phenomenon, but the question remains as to whether these models truly represent the in vivo processes.