The signaling pathway for regulation of glucose transporter 4 and its application in drug development

Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) as a mediator for glucose up-take in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue plays important roles in whole-body glucose metabolism. Impaired glucose disposal is always observed in metabolic disease (such as obesity and type 2 diabetes), and glucose homeostasis can be impacted by alteration of GLUT4 function. Here, we summarize the function, tissue distribution and regulation pathway of GLUT4, and highlight the chemicals in restoring glucose homeostasis via modulating GLUT4 function. Finally, we also discuss the possible research focus of GLUT4 in the future and the association of GLUT4 with other diseases.