Glucose transporter 1 (or GLUT1), also known as solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 1 (SLC2A1), is a uniporter protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC2A1 gene. GLUT1 facilitates the transport of glucose across the plasma membranes of mammalian cells. This gene encodes a facilitative glucose transporter that is highly expressed in erythrocytes and endothelial cells, including cells of the blood–brain barrier. The encoded protein is found primarily in the cell membrane and on the cell surface, where it can also function as a receptor for human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) I and II. GLUT1 accounts for 2 percent of the protein in the plasma membrane of erythrocytes. During early development, GLUT1 expression is compartmentalized across different tissues, ensuring that metabolic requirements are met in a tissue-specific manner. This tissue-specific glucose metabolism is essential for regulating the differentiation of specific lineages, such as the epiblast to mesoderm transition during gastrulation. GLUT1's role in glucose uptake supports localized metabolic needs that interact with developmental signalling pathways to shape the emerging body plan.
Mutations in this gene can cause GLUT1 deficiency syndrome 1, GLUT1 deficiency syndrome 2, idiopathic generalized epilepsy 12, dystonia 9, and stomatin-deficient cryohydrocytosis. Disruption in GLUT1-mediated glucose transport can lead to defects in cell differentiation and morphogenesis.
