191-OR: Deletion of the Type 2 Diabetes Candidate Gene SLC16A11 Reduces Peripheral Insulin Sensitivity in Mice

Abstract

Background and Aims: Recent GWAS in large human populations identified the monocarboxylate transporter SLC16A11 as a candidate gene for T2D. While previous studies postulated that SLC16A11 plays a role in hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism, the existing data are controversial and exact mechanisms of how SLC16A11 affects T2D are missing. Here, we aimed at elucidating the role of SLC16A11 in the development of metabolic disease. Methods: HEK293 cell lines expressing murine and human SLC16A11 were established. Moreover, using CRISPR/Cas9, a SLC16A11 knockout mouse model was generated. Finally, SLC16A11 mRNA expression was measured in various insulin responsive tissues of ob/ob and db/db mice. Results: In HEK293 cells, substrates of the transporter were identified. mRNA expression of SLC16A11 was reduced in skeletal muscle of ob/ob and db/db mice (-69.8% and -22.8%; p<0.05) compared to littermate controls. SLC16A11 KO and WT littermate mice fed NCD or HFD did not differ in body weight and composition, energy expenditure or food intake. While basal glucose and insulin in SLC16A11 KO and WT littermates on a HFD were not different, glucose infusion rate during hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp was lower in SLC16A11 KO mice (SLC16A11 WT= 36.4±3 mg/kg/min; SLC16A11 KO= 24.7±2 mg/kg/min; P<0.01), indicating reduced whole-body insulin sensitivity. No changes were observed in hepatic glucose production, liver fat content or hepatic mitochondrial function using PINTA method. Instead, clamped 2-deoxy-glucose uptake was significantly reduced in skeletal muscle (-41%; p<0.05) of SLC16A11 KO, together with increased DAGs levels and PKCθ activation, indicating skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Conclusions: Our data show for the first time that in contrast to previous assumptions, SLC16A11 impairs skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity without affecting hepatic metabolism. Taking also human GWAS into account, we propose that SLC16A11 may be an interesting target for the treatment of T2D. Disclosure N.N.El-agroudy: None. T.Schumann: None. A.Kurzbach: None. G.Sancar: None. L.Sandforth: None. C.Herrmann: None. G.I.Shulman: Consultant; Novo Nordisk, DiCerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bayer Consumer Care AG, Kriya Therapeutics, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc., ESPERION Therapeutics, Inc., Other Relationship; AstraZeneca, Merck & Co., Inc., Janssen Research & Development, LLC, iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation, Maze Therapeutics, 89bio, Inc., Equator Therapeutics, Inc., Generian Pharmaceuticals, Fortress Biotech, Inc., OrsoBio, Aro Biotherapeutics Company, Stock/Shareholder; Levels Health, Inc. A.L.Birkenfeld: None.