Erythroid glucose transport in health and disease

Glucose transport is intimately linked to red blood cell physiology. Glucose is the unique energy source for these cells, and defects in glucose metabolism or transport activity are associated with impaired red blood cell morphology and deformability leading to reduced lifespan. In vertebrate erythrocytes, glucose transport is mediated by GLUT1 (in humans) or GLUT4 transporters. These proteins also account for dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) transport through erythrocyte membrane. The peculiarities of glucose transporters and the red blood cell pathologies involving GLUT1 are summarized in the present review.