Measuring GLUT4 translocation in mature muscle fibers

Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;299(2):E169-79. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00066.2010. Epub 2010 May 25.

Abstract

Skeletal muscle is the major tissue for postprandial glucose disposal. Facilitated glucose uptake into muscle fibers is mediated by increases in surface membrane levels of the glucose transporter GLUT4 via insulin- and/or muscle contraction-mediated GLUT4 translocation. However, the regulatory mechanisms controlling GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle have been difficult to characterize at the cell biology level due to muscle tissue complexity. Muscle cell culture models have improved our understanding of GLUT4 translocation and glucose transport regulation, but in vitro muscle models lack many of the characteristics of mature muscle fibers. Thus, the molecular and cellular details of GLUT4 translocation in mature skeletal muscle are deficient. The objective of this review is to highlight how advances in recent experimental approaches translate into an enhanced understanding of the regulation of GLUT4 translocation and glucose transport in mature skeletal muscle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Glucose Transporter Type 4 / analysis*
  • Glucose Transporter Type 4 / biosynthesis
  • Glucose Transporter Type 4 / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / chemistry*
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / growth & development
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Photoaffinity Labels
  • Protein Transport

Substances

  • Glucose Transporter Type 4
  • Photoaffinity Labels
  • SLC2A4 protein, human