Slc2a8, also known as GLUT8, is a facilitative glucose transporter. It belongs to the SLC2A family and is involved in glucose and potentially trehalose transport, thus playing a role in energy-related metabolic pathways and having overall biological importance in various tissues [1,2]. Genetic models, such as gene knockout mouse models, have been valuable in studying its functions.

Slc2a8-deficient mice exhibit reproductive and growth impairments. Oocytes from these mice show abnormal metabolism and ATP production, and decidualization is impaired, which is crucial for implantation. This indicates a role for SLC2A8 in decidualization [1]. Also, spermatozoa from Slc2a8 knockout mice have lower ATP levels, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreased motility, suggesting its importance in sperm cell energy metabolism [3]. Moreover, GLUT8-deficient hepatocytes and mice resist trehalose-induced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and autophagic induction, indicating SLC2A8 is required for hepatocyte trehalose-induced autophagy [2].

In conclusion, Slc2a8 plays essential roles in reproductive processes, sperm cell energy metabolism, and trehalose-induced autophagy. Studies using Slc2a8 knockout mouse models have revealed its significance in these biological processes, which may have implications for understanding related reproductive and neurodegenerative disease conditions.