Glucose Uptake Assay Kit

The Glucose Uptake Assay Kit provides a sensitive colorimetric assay for biological samples such as tissue or cultured cells.

In this assay, 2-DG is taken up by glucose transporters and metabolized to 2-DG-6-phosphate (2-DG6P). The non-metabolizable 2-DG6P accumulates in the cells and is proportional to glucose uptake by cells. The accumulated 2-DG6P is enzymatically oxidized and generates NADPH, which is specifically monitored by a chromogenic NADPH sensor. The signal can be read by a spectrophotometric plate reader by reading the OD ratio at wavelength 570 nm to 610 nm.

Glucose is the primary energy source for most cells, and its uptake is a highly regulated process that represents the first rate-limiting step in glucose metabolism. This uptake is facilitated by the GLUT family of transporter proteins, which include various isoforms that are tissue-specific and respond to different physiological conditions. The expression and activity of these transporters are modulated by several factors, including insulin, exercise, and cellular energy status. In many cancer cells, glucose uptake is significantly upregulated, resulting in increased rates of aerobic glycolysis, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect, which supports rapid cell proliferation. Conversely, cells with insulin resistance demonstrate diminished glucose uptake in response to insulin stimulation, contributing to metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Glucose transport systems are essential for moving glucose across cell membranes, ensuring its availability for energy production and metabolic processes. Measuring the uptake of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), a glucose analog, is widely recognized as a reliable method for estimating glucose uptake and exploring the regulation of glucose metabolism and the underlying mechanisms of insulin resistance.