Glucose Transporters
Glucose transporters are specialized proteins that facilitate the movement of glucose across cell membranes. They play a crucial role in maintaining energy levels in the body by allowing cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. There are several types of glucose transporters, each with specific functions and locations in the body.
The most well-known glucose transporter is GLUT4, which is primarily found in muscle and fat tissues. This transporter is particularly important because its activity increases in response to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Other glucose transporters, like GLUT1 and GLUT2, are found in different tissues and have distinct roles in glucose uptake and metabolism.