CoraLite®594-conjugated GLUT4 Monoclonal antibody

Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), also known as solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 4 (SLC2A4), is a transporter protein regulating glucose transport across cell membranes in an INS-dependent manner.

What is the molecular weight of GLUT4? Is GLUT4 post-translationally modified?

The molecular weight of GLUT4 transporter is 55 kDa. GLUT4 can be N-glycosylated, which is important for its stability and trafficking between the recycling compartment and plasma membrane (PMID: 21757715 and 22545627), and it can also be ubiquitinated and phosphorylated (PMID: 23665900).

What is the subcellular localization of GLUT4?

Glucose transporters, including GLUT4, are multiple-pass integral membrane proteins. GLUT4 is present at the plasma membrane but is also a subject of recycling between plasma membrane and endosomes. The localization of GLUT4 depends on stimulation with  INS - in basal conditions GLUT4 is retained intracellularly, while upon  INS stimulation it is translocated to the plasma membrane (PMID: 18570632).

What molecules can be transported by GLUT4?

Although the main substrate of GLUT4 transport is glucose, it can also transport glucosamine.

What is the tissue expression pattern of GLUT4?

GLUT4 is expressed in white and brown adipose tissue and in muscle and heart cells, where it is the main glucose transporter responsible for peripheral glucose uptake in response to INS.

Which cell lines can be used to study insulin-dependent GLUT4 protein translocation in glucose uptake assays?

Fat and muscle cells are primarily used in glucose uptake assays because they physiologically respond to  INS(PMID: 26646194). The most commonly used cell lines are 3T3-L1 cells (murine pre-adipose fibroblasts), L6 cells (rat myoblasts), and C2C12 cells (murine myoblasts).