GLUT 4 (Glucose Transporter, Insulin Regulatable)

The oxidation of glucose represents a major source of metabolic energy for mammalian cells. However, because the plasma membrane is impermeable to polar molecules such as glucose, the cellular uptake of this important nutrient is accomplished by membrane-associated carrier proteins that bind and transfer it across the lipid bilayer. The subcellular localization of the GLUT4 (muscle/fat) isoform changes in response to insulin, and this isoform is responsible for most of the insulin-stimulated uptake of glucose that occurs in muscle and adipose tissue (1). Insulin stimulates glucose uptake in fat and muscle by mobilizing the GLUT4 glucose transporter. GLUT4 is sequestered intracellularly in the absence of insulin, and is redistributed to the plasma membrane within minutes of insulin stimulation (2). The translocation of GLUT4 may involve signalling pathways that are both independent of and dependent on phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI(3)K). This translocation also requires the actin cytoskeleton, and the rapid movement of GLUT4 along linear tracks may be mediated by molecular motors (3). Applications: Suitable for use in Flow Cytometry, Western Blot, Immunoprecipitation, Immunohistochemistry. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Western Blot: 1:5000-10,000 Immunohistochemistry: 100-250 Flow Cytometry: 1:30 Immunoprecipitation: 1:50 Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. For long-term storage, store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20 degrees C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer. Manufactured incorporating RabMAb(R) technology under Epitomics US patents, No 5,675,063 and 7,429,487, owned by Abcam.