Sodium/glucose cotransporter 2

The sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the (solute carrier family 5 (sodium/glucose cotransporter)) gene.

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. SGLT2 is located in the early proximal tubule, and is responsible for reabsorption of 80-90% of the glucose filtered by the kidney glomerulus. Most of the remaining glucose absorption is by sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) in more distal sections of the proximal tubule.

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. The gliflozins canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin may lead to euglycemic ketoacidosis. Other side effects of gliflozins include increased risk of Fournier gangrene and of (generally mild) genital infections such as candidal vulvovaginitis.

Clinical significance
Mutations in this gene are also associated with renal glycosuria.