Slc2a2-flox Mouse

Slc2a2, also known as GLUT2, is a transmembrane facilitated glucose transporter. It plays a crucial role in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells, glucose-sensitive gene regulation in hepatocytes, and glucose reabsorption in the kidney proximal tubule. It is also involved in glucose-sensing mechanisms in the nervous system, controlling feeding, thermoregulation, and pancreatic islet cell mass and function [1,2].

In mice, biallelic Slc2a2 inactivation causes lethal neonatal diabetes, indicating its essential role in insulin secretion [3]. Whole-body reduced Slc2a2 expression (Slc2a2+/-) in high-fat diet-fed mice leads to an age-related decline in glucose homeostasis, while metformin enhances glucose uptake into the gut from the circulation more significantly in these Slc2a2+/- animals compared to wild-type [4].

In conclusion, Slc2a2 is vital for glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, and glucose-sensing mechanisms. Mouse models with Slc2a2 inactivation or reduced expression have revealed its significance in neonatal diabetes and age-related glucose regulation, providing valuable insights into the role of Slc2a2 in these disease-related biological processes.