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GLUT4 Transporter

Meaning

The GLUT4 transporter, or Glucose Transporter Type 4, is a critical protein primarily expressed in insulin-sensitive tissues, notably skeletal muscle cells and adipocytes, responsible for facilitating glucose uptake from the bloodstream. Its function is tightly regulated by the endocrine hormone insulin, making it a pivotal component in maintaining systemic glucose homeostasis and preventing hyperglycemia. Proper functioning of GLUT4 is essential for energy metabolism, and its dysfunction is a hallmark characteristic of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. This transporter is a key molecular link between hormonal signaling and cellular energy provision.