Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens
The sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC5A2 (solute carrier family 5 (sodium/glucose cotransporter)) gene.[5]
Function
SGLT2 is a member of the sodium glucose cotransporter family, which are sodium-dependent glucose transport proteins. SGLT2 is the major cotransporter involved in glucose reabsorption in the kidney.[6] SGLT2 is located in the early proximal tubule, and is responsible for reabsorption of 80-90% of the glucose filtered by the kidney glomerulus.[7] Most of the remaining glucose absorption is by sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) in more distal sections of the proximal tubule.[8]
SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes
SGLT2 inhibitors are also called gliflozins or flozins. They lead to a reduction in blood glucose levels, and therefore have potential use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Gliflozins enhance glycemic control as well as reduce body weight and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.[9] The gliflozins canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin may lead to euglycemic ketoacidosis.[10][11] Other side effects of gliflozins include increased risk of Fournier gangrene[12] and of (generally mild) genital infections such as candidal vulvovaginitis.[13]
Clinical significance
Mutations in this gene are also associated with renal glycosuria.[14]