%0 Journal Article
%A Chowen, Julie A.
%A Rábano, Alberto
%A Vázquez Pérz, Patricia
%A Roncero Rincón, Isabel
%A Álvarez García, Elvira
%A Sanz Miguel, María Del Carmen
%A Blázquez Fernández, Enrique
%T Expression of glucose transporter isoform GLUT‐2 and glucokinase genes in human brain
%D 2004
%@ 0022-3042
%@ 1471-4159
%U https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/96203
%X The glucose transporter isoform-2 (GLUT-2) and glucokinase are considered to be components of a glucose sensor system controlling several key processes, and hence may modulate feeding behaviour. We have found GLUT-2 and glucokinase mRNAs in several brain regions, including the ventromedial and arcuate nuclei of the hypothalamus. GLUT-2, glucokinase and glucokinase regulatory protein mRNAs and proteins were present in these areas as determined by biochemical approaches. In addition, glucose-phosphorylating activity with a high apparent Km for glucose that displayed no product inhibition by glucose-6-phosphate was observed. Increased glycaemia after meals may be recognized by specific hypothalamic neurones due to the high Km of GLUT-2 and glucokinase. This enzyme is considered to be the true glucose sensor because it catalyses the rate-limiting step of glucose catabolism its activity being regulated by interaction with glucokinase regulatory protein, that functions as a metabolic sensor
%~