The GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) gene, also known as SLC2A4 (solute carrier family 2 member 4) is mapped to human chromosome 17p13.1.The expression of GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) is the highest in skeletal and adipose tissue.
GLUT4 is an insulin-regulated glucose transporter that facilitates the uptake of glusose by fat and muscle cells. Generally restricted to storage vesicles, GLUT4 translocates to the plasma membrane in response to insulin stimulation. The vital function of GLUT4 is regulation of glucose utilization by the cells. Following meal consumption, insulin secreted by the pancreas binds to receptors on the muscle and adipose and activates the PI3K-Akt pathway. Activation of this pathway triggers the secretion of GLUT4 from the vesicles that translocate to the plasma membrane. An overall decrease in the expression of GLUT4 results in diabetes and a selective disruption of GLUT4, in skeletal or adipose tissue, results in insulin resistance
