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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/slc2a10/

SLC2A10 gene

solute carrier family 2 member 10

Normal Function

The SLC2A10 gene provides instructions for making a protein called GLUT10. GLUT10 is classified as a glucose transporter; this type of protein moves the simple sugar glucose across cell membranes and helps maintain proper levels of glucose within cells. However, GLUT10 has some structural differences from other glucose transporters, and its role in the movement of glucose or other substances is unclear.

The level of GLUT10 appears to be involved in the regulation of a process called the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway. This pathway is involved in cell growth and division (proliferation) and the process by which cells mature to carry out special functions (differentiation). The TGF-β signaling pathway is also involved in bone and blood vessel development and the formation of the extracellular matrix, an intricate lattice of proteins and other molecules that forms in the spaces between cells and defines the structure and properties of connective tissues. Connective tissue provides strength and flexibility to structures throughout the body, including blood vessels, skin, joints, and the gastrointestinal tract.

Studies indicate that GLUT10 may also be involved in the functioning of mitochondria, the energy-producing centers within cells.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Arterial tortuosity syndrome

At least 23 SLC2A10 gene mutations have been identified in people with arterial tortuosity syndrome, a connective tissue disorder characterized by abnormal curving and twisting (tortuosity) of the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body (arteries) and other health problems.

The mutations that cause arterial tortuosity syndrome reduce or eliminate GLUT10 function. By mechanisms that are not well understood, a lack (deficiency) of functional GLUT10 protein leads to overactivity (upregulation) of TGF-β signaling. Excessive growth signaling results in elongation of the arteries. Since the end points of the arteries are fixed, the extra length twists and curves, leading to tortuosity. Overactive TGF-β signaling also interferes with normal formation of the connective tissues in other parts of the body, leading to the joint and skin abnormalities and other features of arterial tortuosity syndrome.

Changes in mitochondrial function related to GLUT10 deficiency may also affect cardiovascular system development, but the relationship between mitochondrial function and the specific signs and symptoms of arterial tortuosity syndrome is unclear.

More About This Health Condition

Other disorders

Several normal variations (polymorphisms) of the SLC2A10 gene have been associated with an increased risk of peripheral artery disease in people with type 2 diabetes, a disorder in which resistance to the hormone insulin leads to excess glucose levels in the blood (hyperglycemia). Peripheral artery disease is a condition in which an accumulation of fatty deposits and scar-like tissue in the lining of the arteries (atherosclerosis) reduces blood flow to the legs, causing pain when walking. Problems with blood vessels, including peripheral artery disease, are common in type 2 diabetes, and are believed to be related to the effect of hyperglycemia on TGF-β signaling. Alterations in the GLUT10 protein caused by SLC2A10 gene variations may also affect TGF-β signaling and increase the risk of blood vessel problems in diabetes.

Other Names for This Gene

  • ATS
  • glucose transporter type 10
  • GLUT-10
  • GLUT10
  • GTR10_HUMAN
  • solute carrier family 2 (facilitated glucose transporter), member 10
  • solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 10

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Akhurst RJ. A sweet link between TGFbeta and vascular disease? Nat Genet. 2006 Apr;38(4):400-1. doi: 10.1038/ng0406-400. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
  • Callewaert BL, Willaert A, Kerstjens-Frederikse WS, De Backer J, Devriendt K, Albrecht B, Ramos-Arroyo MA, Doco-Fenzy M, Hennekam RC, Pyeritz RE, Krogmann ON, Gillessen-kaesbach G, Wakeling EL, Nik-zainal S, Francannet C, Mauran P, Booth C, Barrow M, Dekens R, Loeys BL, Coucke PJ, De Paepe AM. Arterial tortuosity syndrome: clinical and molecular findings in 12 newly identified families. Hum Mutat. 2008 Jan;29(1):150-8. doi: 10.1002/humu.20623. Citation on PubMed
  • Castori M, Ritelli M, Zoppi N, Molisso L, Chiarelli N, Zaccagna F, Grammatico P, Colombi M. Adult presentation of arterial tortuosity syndrome in a 51-year-old woman with a novel homozygous c.1411+1G>A mutation in the SLC2A10 gene. Am J Med Genet A. 2012 May;158A(5):1164-9. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.35266. Epub 2012 Apr 9. Citation on PubMed
  • Coucke PJ, Willaert A, Wessels MW, Callewaert B, Zoppi N, De Backer J, Fox JE, Mancini GM, Kambouris M, Gardella R, Facchetti F, Willems PJ, Forsyth R, Dietz HC, Barlati S, Colombi M, Loeys B, De Paepe A. Mutations in the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT10 alter angiogenesis and cause arterial tortuosity syndrome. Nat Genet. 2006 Apr;38(4):452-7. doi: 10.1038/ng1764. Epub 2006 Mar 19. Citation on PubMed
  • Jiang YD, Chang YC, Chiu YF, Chang TJ, Li HY, Lin WH, Yuan HY, Chen YT, Chuang LM. SLC2A10 genetic polymorphism predicts development of peripheral arterial disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. SLC2A10 and PAD in type 2 diabetes. BMC Med Genet. 2010 Aug 25;11:126. doi: 10.1186/1471-2350-11-126. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Ritelli M, Chiarelli N, Dordoni C, Reffo E, Venturini M, Quinzani S, Monica MD, Scarano G, Santoro G, Russo MG, Calzavara-Pinton P, Milanesi O, Colombi M. Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome: homozygosity for two novel and one recurrent SLC2A10 missense mutations in three families with severe cardiopulmonary complications in infancy and a literature review. BMC Med Genet. 2014 Nov 6;15:122. doi: 10.1186/s12881-014-0122-5. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Ritelli M, Drera B, Vicchio M, Puppini G, Biban P, Pilati M, Prioli MA, Barlati S, Colombi M. Arterial tortuosity syndrome in two Italian paediatric patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2009 Sep 25;4:20. doi: 10.1186/1750-1172-4-20. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Segade F. Glucose transporter 10 and arterial tortuosity syndrome: the vitamin C connection. FEBS Lett. 2010 Jul 16;584(14):2990-4. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2010.06.011. Epub 2010 Jun 12. Citation on PubMed
  • Willaert A, Khatri S, Callewaert BL, Coucke PJ, Crosby SD, Lee JG, Davis EC, Shiva S, Tsang M, De Paepe A, Urban Z. GLUT10 is required for the development of the cardiovascular system and the notochord and connects mitochondrial function to TGFbeta signaling. Hum Mol Genet. 2012 Mar 15;21(6):1248-59. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddr555. Epub 2011 Nov 24. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.