Distinct localization of gluts 1, 3, and 5 in human monocyte -derived macrophages: effects of cell activation. Malide, Daniela, Theresa M. Davies-Hill, Mark Levine, and Ian A. Simpson. Experimental Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition Section, and Molecular and Clinical Nutrition Section, Diabetes Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
APStracts 4:0276E, 1997.
We determined subcellular localization of GLUT1, GLUT3, and GLUT5 as human monocytes differentiate into macrophages in culture, and effects of the activating agents formyl-methionyl-leucyl -phenylalanine (fMLP) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Western blot analysis demonstrated progressively increased GLUT1, rapidly decreased GLUT3, and a delayed increase of GLUT5 expression during differentiation. Confocal microscopy revealed that each isoform displayed an unique subcellular distribution and cell-activation response. GLUT1 was localized primarily to the cell surface but was also detected in the perinuclear region, in a pattern characteristic of recycling endosomes. GLUT3 exhibited predominantly a distinct vesicle-like staining but was only present in monocytes. GLUT5 was found primarily at the cell surface but was detectable intracellularly. Activation with fMLP induced similar GLUT1 and GLUT5 redistributions from intracellular compartments towards the cell surface. PMA elicited a similar translocation of GLUT1, but GLUT5 was redistributed from the plasma membrane to a distinct intracellular compartment which appeared connected to the cell surface. These results suggest specific subcellular targeting of each transporter isoform and differential regulation of their trafficking pathways in cultured macrophages.

Received 28 August 1997; accepted in final form 10 December 1997.
APS Manuscript Number E404-7.
Article publication pending Am. J. Physiol. (Endocrinol. Metab.).
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1997 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 7 January 1998