Reconstitution of D-glucose transport catalyzed by a protein fraction from human erythrocytes in sonicated liposomes.

A protein fraction was obtained from human erythrocyte ghosts by solubilization with Triton X-100 or octylglucoside. Triton X-100 was removed from the protein by Bio-Beads SM-2 and octylglucoside, by diafiltration. The solubilized protein fraction catalyzed D-glucose uptake when reconstituted in sonicated liposomes. The uptake was time dependent and inhibited by mercuric ions or cytochalasin B. The results indicate that the uptake represents transport of the sugar into the liposomes rather than binding to the reconstituted liposomes.