GLUT3

GLUT3 is a glucose transporter within cell membranes. It is one of 14 Na⁺ independent facilitated diffusion transporters, termed GLUT1 to GLUT14. As it is a facilitated diffusion transporter, it relies on a concentration gradient for transport of glucose.

GLUT3 binds to glucose in the extracellular space (e.g. blood) which induces a conformational change. This conformational change transports the glucose across the cell membrane.

GLUT3 is primarily involved in glucose transport for neurones and, unlike some transporters, principally tranports glucose to within the cells, rather than bidirectionally.