GLUT8 is dispensable for embryonic development but influences hippocampal neurogenesis and heart function

M Membrez, E Hummler, F Beermann… - … and cellular biology, 2006 - Am Soc Microbiol
M Membrez, E Hummler, F Beermann, JA Haefliger, R Savioz, T Pedrazzini, B Thorens
Molecular and cellular biology, 2006Am Soc Microbiol
GLUT8 is a glucose transporter isoform expressed at high levels in testis; at intermediate
levels in the brain, including the hippocampus; and at lower levels in the heart and several
other tissues. GLUT8 is located in an intracellular compartment and does not appear to
translocate to the cell surface, except in blastocysts, where insulin has been reported to
induce its surface expression. Here, we generated mice with inactivation of the glut8 gene.
We showed that expression of GLUT8 was not required for normal embryonic development …
Abstract
GLUT8 is a glucose transporter isoform expressed at high levels in testis; at intermediate levels in the brain, including the hippocampus; and at lower levels in the heart and several other tissues. GLUT8 is located in an intracellular compartment and does not appear to translocate to the cell surface, except in blastocysts, where insulin has been reported to induce its surface expression. Here, we generated mice with inactivation of the glut8 gene. We showed that expression of GLUT8 was not required for normal embryonic development and that glut8−/− mice had normal postnatal development, glucose homeostasis, and response to mild stress. Adult glut8−/− mice showed increased proliferation of hippocampal cells but no defect in memory acquisition and retention. Absence of GLUT8 from the heart did not alter heart size and morphology but led to an increase in P-wave duration, which was not associated with abnormal Nav1. 5 Na+ channel or connexin expression. Thus, absence of GLUT8 expression in the mouse caused complex but mild physiological alterations.
American Society for Microbiology