Identification and function of glucose transporter 1 in human mesangial cells

Objective To evaluate the role of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in the glucose uptake of glomerular mesangial cells. Methods Cultured human glomerular mesangial cells were used. The expressions of glucose transporter 1 mRNA and protein were detected with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR), flaw cytometry and immunofluorescence staining. Glucose uptake was determined with 2-deoxy-[H-3]-D-glucose uptake assay. Results The expressions of GLUT1 mRNA and proteins were detected in human mesangial cells. Glucose uptake and its kinetics assay showed that GLUT1 is a functional glucose transporter in cultured human mesangial cells, and that its function could be inhibited by the specific inhibitor, Phloretin. Conclusion GLUT1 is the predominant glucose transporter in human mesangial cells, which has the kinetic characteristics of high affinity and low capacity for D-glucose. This suggests that in order for mesangial cells to take up excessive quantities of glucose, as in diabetes, changes in glucose transporter expression, translocation or activity may be required.