MicroRNA-4458 Regulates Insulin Resistance in Hepatic Cells by Targeting the Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor

Abstract

Background: The objective of the research was to investigate the roles of miR-4458 in the regulation of insulin resistance in hepatic cells and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: The blood samples were collected from the T2D patients and the health controls, and the liver tissues were collected from the DM and control rats. The relationship between IGF1R and miR-4458 was predicted by TargetScan and verified by the dual luciferase reporter gene system. qRT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of miR-4458, IGF1R, G6Pase and PEPCK. The protein expression of IGF1R, p-AKT and AKT were measured by Western blot analysis. The rat insulin ELISA Kit and glucose Uptake Colorimteric Assay Kit were used to determine the level of serum insulin and the glucose uptake. Results: miR-4458 was high expressed in T2D patients. We predicted and verified that IGF1R was a direct target of miR-4458, and the mRNA expression of IGF1R was reduced in type 2 diabetes patients. We established the diabetes model (DM) and IR HepG2 cell model, and found that the blood glucose and serum insulin levels were significantly elevated in the DM group. miR-4458 expression was up-regulated, while the expression of IGF1R and p-AKT, and p-AKT/AKT ratio were reduced in the DM group and IR HepG2 cell model. miR-4458 inhibitor and IGF1R-siRNA significantly decreased the expression of miR-4458 and IGF1R respectively. In comparison with IR+inhibitor control group, miR-4458 inhibitor increased 2-DG6P content, IGF1R expression, p-AKT expression and p-AKT/AKT ratio, reduced the expression of G6Pase and PEPCK, and all the effects were reversed by down-regulating IGF1R. Conclusion: miR-4458 regulated the insulin resistance in hepatic cells by regulating the IGF1R/PI3K/AKT signal pathway, which will be a potential target for the treatment of diabetes.