GLU1 Antibody

Structure and Function of GLUT1

GLUT1 is a 492-amino-acid transmembrane protein with 12 membrane-spanning α-helices, facilitating passive glucose transport across plasma membranes. It is constitutively expressed in erythrocytes, endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier, and tissues with high glucose demands . Structurally, GLUT1 lacks a signal peptide and contains cytoplasmic N- and C-termini, with glycosylation states influencing its molecular weight (43–55 kDa) .

Applications of GLUT1 Antibodies

GLUT1 antibodies are widely used in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics:

Cancer Prognosis

A meta-analysis of 26 studies (2,948 patients) demonstrated that elevated GLUT1 expression correlates with:

Neurological Disorders

GLUT1 antibodies aid in diagnosing GLUT1 deficiency syndromes, characterized by hypoglycorrhachia and neuroglycopenia due to SLC2A1 mutations .

Therapeutic Targets

GLUT1 inhibitors (e.g., fasentin) and vitamin C therapies exploit GLUT1-mediated glucose transport, showing promise in KRAS/BRAF-mutant cancers .

Clinical and Technical Considerations

• Antibody Validation: Variability in clones (e.g., MYM, A3536) and cutoff values (5–65% staining) affects reproducibility .

• Glycosylation Effects: Post-translational modifications result in multiple bands (40–60 kDa) on WB .

• Diagnostic Utility: GLUT1 is a marker for juvenile hemangiomas and blood-brain barrier integrity .

Emerging Directions

• PET Imaging Correlation: GLUT1 expression predicts 18F-FDG avidity in tumors .

• Targeted Therapies: Clinical trials explore GLUT1 inhibitors and vitamin C in colorectal cancer .