SLC5A2
Description
The SLC5A2 (solute carrier family 5 member 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 16.
The SLC5A2 gene encodes the sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) protein, a member of the sodium glucose cotransporter family responsible for sodium-dependent glucose transport. SGLT2 is the primary cotransporter involved in glucose reabsorption in the kidney, located in the early proximal tubule where it reabsorbs 80-90% of the glucose filtered by the kidney glomerulus. The remaining glucose absorption is primarily handled by sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) in more distal sections of the proximal tubule. SGLT2 inhibitors, also known as gliflozins or flozins, lower blood glucose levels and have potential applications in treating type 2 diabetes. These inhibitors enhance glycemic control, reduce body weight, and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Gliflozins such as canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin can lead to euglycemic ketoacidosis. Other side effects of gliflozins include an increased risk of Fournier gangrene and mild genital infections like candidal vulvovaginitis.
SLC5A2 is an electrogenic sodium-coupled sugar symporter that actively transports D-glucose across the plasma membrane, with a 1:1 ratio of sodium to glucose. This transport is driven by a transmembrane sodium electrochemical gradient established by the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ pump). The protein plays a primary role in the reabsorption of D-glucose from glomerular filtrate across the brush border of the early proximal tubules of the kidney.
SLC5A2 is also known as SGLT2.
