JoVE Logo

S'identifier

6.13 : Secondary Active Transport

One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme "pump" embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of positively-charged Na+ outside a cell, it also helps to make this environment "more positive" than the intracellular region. As a result, both the chemical and electrical gradients of Na+ point towards the inside of a cell, and the electrochemical gradient is similarly directed inwards.

Sodium-glucose linked transporters

Sodium-glucose linked transporters (SGLTs) exploit the energy stored in this electrochemical gradient. These proteins, primarily located in the membranes of intestinal or kidney cells, help in the absorption of glucose from the lumen of these organs into the bloodstream. In order to function, both an extracellular glucose molecule and two Na+ must bind to the SGLT. As Na+ migrates into a cell through the transporter, it travels with its electrochemical gradient, expelling energy that the protein uses to move glucose inside a cell—against its chemical gradient, since this sugar tends to be at a higher concentration within a cell. As a result, glucose travels uphill against its concentration gradient simultaneously with Na+ that travels down its electrochemical gradient. This is an example of secondary active transport, so-named because the energy source used is electrochemical in nature, rather than the primary form of ATP.

Therapies Targeting SGLTs

Given the role of glucose in certain diseases, scientists have begun to look at ways of interfering with glucose transport into cells. For example, diabetes is characterized by excess glucose in the bloodstream, which can lead to nerve damage and other complications. As a result, some researchers are assessing how SGLT expression differs between diabetics and non-diabetics, and whether inhibiting different SGLTs can help treat the disease. Alternatively, since cancer cells have been demonstrated to require more glucose compared to their normal counterparts, other investigators are examining whether glucose transporters can be a new target of anti-cancer therapies.

Tags

Secondary Active TransportTransport MechanismsIon GradientsEnergy CouplingMembrane TransportCellular ProcessesSodium glucose Co transportNutrient AbsorptionCell Membrane Dynamics

Du chapitre 6:

article

Now Playing

6.13 : Secondary Active Transport

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

6.8K Vues

article

6.1 : Que sont les membranes ?

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

3.8K Vues

article

6.2 : Protéines membranaires

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

2.5K Vues

article

6.3 : Lipides membranaires

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

13.3K Vues

article

6.4 : Glucides membranaires

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

1.8K Vues

article

6.5 : Le glycocalyx et ses fonctions

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

3.6K Vues

article

6.6 : L’importance du transport membranaire

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

3.1K Vues

article

6.7 : Diffusion

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

3.9K Vues

article

6.8 : Transport facilité

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

2.2K Vues

article

6.9 : Canaux ioniques non dépendants

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

2.4K Vues

article

6.10 : Osmose

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

4.9K Vues

article

6.11 : Tonicité chez les animaux

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

2.9K Vues

article

6.12 : Transport actif primaire

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

2.5K Vues

article

6.14 : Introduction au trafic membranaire

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

1.5K Vues

article

6.15 : Endocytose médiée par le récepteur

Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

2.7K Vues

JoVE Logo

Confidentialité

Conditions d'utilisation

Politiques

Recherche

Enseignement

À PROPOS DE JoVE

Copyright © 2025 MyJoVE Corporation. Tous droits réservés.