Induced Glucose Transporter 4 Translocation Research Articles

A xanthene derivative, DS20060511, attenuates glucose intolerance by inducing skeletal muscle-specific GLUT4 translocation in mice

Reduced glucose uptake into the skeletal muscle is an important pathophysiological abnormality in type 2 diabetes, and is caused by impaired translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the skeletal muscle cell surface. Here, we show a xanthene derivative, DS20060511, induces GLUT4 translocation to the skeletal muscle cell surface, thereby stimulating glucose uptake into the tissue. DS20060511 induced GLUT4 translocation and stimulated glucose uptake into differentiated L6-myotubes and into the skeletal muscles in mice. These effects were completely abolished in GLUT4 knockout mice. Induction of GLUT4 translocation by DS20060511 was independent of the insulin signaling pathways including IRS1-Akt-AS160 phosphorylation and IRS1-Rac1-actin polymerization, eNOS pathway, and AMPK pathway. Acute and chronic DS20060511 treatment attenuated the glucose intolerance in obese diabetic mice. Taken together, DS20060511 acts as a skeletal muscle-specific GLUT4 translocation enhancer to facilitate glucose uptake. Further studies of DS20060511 may pave the way for the development of novel antidiabetic medicines.

Identification of Insulin-Mimetic Plant Extracts: From an In Vitro High-Content Screen to Blood Glucose Reduction in Live Animals.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked to insulin resistance and a loss of insulin sensitivity, leading to millions of deaths worldwide each year. T2DM is caused by reduced uptake of glucose facilitated by glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in muscle and adipose tissue due to decreased intracellular translocation of GLUT4-containing vesicles to the plasma membrane. To treat T2DM, novel medications are required. Through a fluorescence microscopy-based high-content screen, we tested more than 600 plant extracts for their potential to induce GLUT4 translocation in the absence of insulin. The primary screen in CHO-K1 cells resulted in 30 positive hits, which were further investigated in HeLa and 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, full plasma membrane insertion was examined by immunostaining of the first extracellular loop of GLUT4. The application of appropriate inhibitors identified PI3 kinase as the most important signal transduction target relevant for GLUT4 translocation. Finally, from the most effective hits in vitro, four extracts effectively reduced blood glucose levels in chicken embryos (in ovo), indicating their applicability as antidiabetic pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals.

Insulin Mimetic Properties of Extracts Prepared from Bellis perennis.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and consequential cardiovascular diseases lead to millions of deaths worldwide each year; 90% of all people suffering from DM are classified as Type 2 DM (T2DM) patients. T2DM is linked to insulin resistance and a loss of insulin sensitivity. It leads to a reduced uptake of glucose mediated by glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in muscle and adipose tissue, and finally hyperglycemia. Using a fluorescence microscopy-based screening assay we searched for herbal extracts that induce GLUT4 translocation in the absence of insulin, and confirmed their activity in chick embryos. We found that extracts prepared from Bellis perennis (common daisy) are efficient inducers of GLUT4 translocation in the applied in vitro cell system. In addition, these extracts also led to reduced blood glucose levels in chicken embryos (in ovo), confirming their activity in a living organism. Using high-performance liquid chromtaography (HPLC) analysis, we identified and quantified numerous polyphenolic compounds including apigenin glycosides, quercitrin and chlorogenic acid, which potentially contribute to the induction of GLUT4 translocation. In conclusion, Bellis perennis extracts reduce blood glucose levels and are therefore suitable candidates for application in food supplements for the prevention and accompanying therapy of T2DM.

Epigallocatechin gallate induces GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle through both PI3K- and AMPK-dependent pathways.

Our previous report demonstrated that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) promotes translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in skeletal muscle. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of GLUT4 translocation by EGCg at the physiological concentration range. In L6 cells, EGCg induced phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositide 3'-kinase (PI3K) and downstream protein kinase C (PKC) λ/ξ without affecting the phosphorylation of insulin receptor and Akt. EGCg-induced GLUT4 translocation was suppressed by RNA interference-mediated knockdown of PI3K and treatment with PKC inhibitor Go6983. Moreover, EGCg increased Rac1 activity and actin remodelling as downstream events of PKCλ/ξ. These results indicate that EGCg induced GLUT4 translocation through a PI3K-dependent pathway, but its mode of action differed from that of insulin. EGCg also induced GLUT4 translocation through a 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent pathway. 67 kDa laminin receptor, which is a target molecule of EGCg, was not involved in EGCg-induced glucose uptake in L6 cells. The oral administration of EGCg suppressed postprandial hyperglycaemia accompanied by GLUT4 translocation through both PI3K- and AMPK-dependent pathways, and promoted glycogen accumulation in skeletal muscle of ICR mice. EGCg promotes GLUT4 translocation through both PI3K- and AMPK-dependent pathways and glycogen accumulation in skeletal muscle.

Procyanidin Promotes Translocation of Glucose Transporter 4 in Muscle of Mice through Activation of Insulin and AMPK Signaling Pathways

Procyanidins are the oligomeric or polymeric forms of epicatechin and catechin. In this study, we isolated and purified dimer to tetramer procyanidins from black soybean seed coat and investigated the anti-hyperglycemic effects by focusing on glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation and the underlying molecular mechanism in skeletal muscle of mice. The anti-hyperglycemic effects of procyanidins were also compared with those of monomer (−)-epicatechin (EC) and major anthocyanin, cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside (C3G). To investigate GLUT4 translocation and its related signaling pathways, ICR mice were orally given procyanidins, EC and C3G in water at 10 μg/kg body weight. The mice were sacrificed 60 min after the dose of polyphenols, and soleus muscle was extracted from the hind legs. The results showed that trimeric and tetrameric procyanidins activated both insulin- and AMPK-signaling pathways to induce GLUT4 translocation in muscle of ICR mice. We confirmed that procyanidins suppressed acute hyperglycemia with an oral glucose tolerance test in a dose-dependent manner. Of these beneficial effects, cinnamtannin A2, one of the tetramers, was the most effective. In conclusion, procyanidins, especially cinnamtannin A2, significantly ameliorate postprandial hyperglycemia at least in part by promoting GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane by activating both insulin- and AMPK-signaling pathways.

Liraglutide enhances glucose transporter 4 translocation via regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in mouse skeletal muscle cells

ObjectiveLiraglutide is an anti-diabetic drug and human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog that primarily functions in the pancreas. However, its extra-pancreatic functions are not clear. Skeletal muscle tissue is an important determinant of blood glucose and cells take in approximately 80% of dietary glucose via glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) on the plasma membrane. Insulin and muscle contraction are two physiological stimuli of GLUT4 translocation to the cell membrane from intracellular storage compartments, but the signaling mechanisms that mediate these processes are different. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Akt are the key signal molecules mediating the effects of muscle contraction and insulin, respectively, on GLUT4 translocation. Here, we investigate the effect of liraglutide on GLUT4 translocation and the roles of AMPK and Akt in this mechanism in skeletal muscle cells by stably expressing GLUT4myc with an exofacial myc-epitope C2C12-GLUT4myc. Materials/MethodsThe cell surface GLUT4myc levels were determined by an antibody-coupled colorimetric assay. The phosphorylation levels of AMPK, Akt, AS160, TBC1D1, and GLUT4 were determined by western blotting. The cAMP levels were measured by an ELISA kit. siRNA was transfected with Lipofectamine 2000. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for data analysis. ResultsLiraglutide stimulated GLUT4 translocation in C2C12-GLUT4myc myotubes. Liraglutide increased the intracellular cAMP levels and the phosphorylation of AMPK, AS160, and TBC1D1. Akt phosphorylation and GLUT4 expression were not affected. Inhibition of AMPK by siRNA or Compound C reduced liraglutide-induced GLUT4 translocation. ConclusionOur results suggest that liraglutide may induce GLUT4 translocation by activation of AMPK in muscle cells.

랫드 근육세포에서 fagopyritol이 액틴 필라멘트 구조와 포도당 수송체 4에 미치는 영향

인슐린은 근육세포 표면으로 포도당 수송체 4(glucose transporter 4, GLUT4)를 유도하여 혈액 속의 포도당을 세포 내로 유입시키도록 작용한다고 알려져 있다. Fagopyritol은 인슐린과 유사한 작용을 하는 것으로 알려져 있으므로, 본 연구에서는 혈당강하 효과가 있다고 알려진 fagopyritol을 랫드의 근육세포주(L6GLUT4myc 세포)에 처리하여, 아직 명확하게 밝혀지지 않은 fagopyritol의 혈당강하 기전을 규명하고자 수행하였다. Fagopyritol의 혈당강하 기전을 규명하기 위하여 근원세포(myoblast)와 근관세포(myotube)에 fagopyritol을 처리하여 액틴 필라멘트의 구조와 GLUT4에 미치는 영향을 분석하였다. Fagopyritol을 myoblast에 처리하였을 때, GLUT4가 처리군에서 대조군과 비교하여 유의 있게 원형질막 쪽으로 유도되는 것을 확인하였고, 액틴 필라멘트의 구조가 재조정되면서 GLUT4의 이동을 돕는 것으로 생각된다. 또한 fagopyritol이 인슐린과 유사한 작용 경로를 가지는지 확인하기 위하여, 인슐린 작용 경로에서 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 알려진 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)의 억제제인 LY294002를 fagopyritol과 함께 처리하였을 때 GLUT4가 원형질막 쪽으로 유도되지 않는 것을 확인하였다. Fagopyritol을 myotube에 처리하였을 때, myoblast에 처리하였을 때와 유사한 결과를 나타내었다. 이러한 결과를 종합하면 fagopyritol이 인슐린과 유사한 작용을 하여 액틴 필라멘트의 구조 변경과 GLUT4의 이동을 촉진시키는 것으로 사료된다. Insulin induces glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the muscle cell surface. As fagopyritol has insulin-like effects, the effects of fagopyritol on GLUT4 translocation and filamentous (F) actin remodeling in L6-GLUT4myc skeletal muscle cells were investigated. Fagopyritol significantly increased plasma membrane GLUT4 levels compared with the basal control in L6-GLUT4myc myoblast cells. Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase inhibitor (LY294002) treatment prevented GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane in the myoblasts. Fagopyritol treatment apparently stimulates F-actin remodeling in myoblasts. In addition, fagopyritol treatment induced GLUT4 translocation and F-actin remodeling in myotubes. Taken together, these results suggest that fagopyritol promotes GLUT4 translocation and F-actin remodeling by activating the PI 3-kinase-dependent signaling pathway.

Fermented Tea Improves Glucose Intolerance in Mice by Enhancing Translocation of Glucose Transporter 4 in Skeletal Muscle

The antihyperglycemic effects of tea are well documented. However, the effects of fermented tea on the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), the major glucose transporter for glucose uptake in the postprandial period, in skeletal muscle and the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. This study investigated the translocation of GLUT4 and its related signaling pathways in skeletal muscle of male ICR mice given fermented tea. Intake of oolong, black, or pu-erh tea for 7 days enhanced GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle. Each type of fermented tea stimulated the phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt/protein kinase B, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Fermented tea also increased the protein expression of insulin receptor. These results strongly suggest that fermented tea activates both PI3K/Akt- and AMPK-dependent signaling pathways to induce GLUT4 translocation and increases the expression of insulin receptor to improve glucose intolerance.

B20 Increased glucose uptake in white adipose tissue of R6/2 mice due to changes in expression and translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4)

<h3>Background</h3> Besides neurological symptoms, HD-patients show metabolic changes in early stages of the disease, such as alterations in glucose metabolism and reduced peripheral insulin sensitivity. The exact mechanisms of the metabolic changes are unclear. One possible target might be the insulin sensitive glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), which is responsible for glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue. <h3>Aim</h3> Differences in GLUT4 expression and distribution in white adipose tissue (WAT) of transgenic R6/2 mice and wild type mice were studied. In addition glucose uptake assays were used to investigate the effect of changes in expression and distribution on the glucose uptake in adipocytes. <h3>Methods</h3> Western blot analysis were used to compare GLUT4 expression in WAT between the R6/2 mouse model and wild type. Subfractionated organculture samples were used to determine the insulin induced GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane (PM). Preadipocytes were isolated from R6/2 mice and wild type and differentiated to primary adipocytes. The adipocytes were used to measure basal and insulin stimulated glucose uptake (glucose uptake assay with C14 marked desoxyglucose). In addition, differentiation ratio and triglyceride content were determined. <h3>Results</h3> GLUT4 expression is significantly increased in WAT of R6/2 mice compared to wild type mice at the age of 12 weeks. The basal GLUT4 content in the PM-fraction of R6/2 mice is elevated and insulin leads to a pronounced translocation to the PM compared to wild type. Adipocytes derived from R6/2 mice show reduced differentiation ratios and lower triglyceride content. The basal and insulin stimulated glucose-uptake is significantly higher in primary adipocytes isolated from R6/2 mice compared to wild type adipocytes. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The R6/2 mouse model shows alterations of GLUT4 expression and intracellular localisation in WAT. The higher GLUT4 expression and the higher content in the PM lead to an increased basal and insulin stimulated glucose uptake in R6/2-derived adipocytes. In addition, lower differentiation ratios and triglyceride content might be due to an impairment in adipogenic differentiation.

Ellagic Acid Stimulates Glucose Transport in Adipocytes and Muscles through AMPK Mediated Pathway

Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) plays a pivotal role in maintaining whole body glucose homeostasis by mediating insulin responsive glucose transport into adipocytes and skeletal muscles. This is achieved through translocation of GLUT4 from an intracellular pool to the cell surface and certain compounds may enhance this process. In the present study we have shown that ellagic acid, a plant polyphenol, can stimulate glucose uptake activity in both 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C2C12 myotubes by inducing GLUT4 translocation. Unlike insulin, ellagic acid did not stimulate the Ser473 phosphorylation and activation of Akt. However, it was found to induce AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in both cell lines. Analyzing the downstream mechanism suggested an absence of involvement of Rab GAP AS160 in ellagic acid induced GLUT4 translocation. Further studies revealed that ellagic acid stimulated glucose transport occurs though a mechanism involving extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and atypical PKC ?/? (aPKC ?/?) activation.

Activation of the small GTPase Rac1 by a specific guanine‐nucleotide‐exchange factor suffices to induce glucose uptake into skeletal‐muscle cells

Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake into skeletal muscle is crucial for glucose homoeostasis, and depends on the recruitment of GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) to the plasma membrane. Mechanisms underlying insulin-dependent GLUT4 translocation, particularly the role of Rho family GTPases, remain controversial. In the present study, we show that constitutively active Rac1, but not other Rho family GTPases tested, induced GLUT4 translocation in the absence of insulin, suggesting that Rac1 activation is sufficient for GLUT4 translocation in muscle cells. Rac1 activation occurred in dorsal membrane ruffles of insulin-stimulated cells as revealed by a novel method to visualize activated Rac1 in situ. We further identified FLJ00068 as a GEF (guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor) responsible for this Rac1 activation. Indeed, constitutively active FLJ00068 caused Rac1 activation in dorsal membrane ruffles and GLUT4 translocation without insulin stimulation. Down-regulation of Rac1 or FLJ00068 by RNA interference, on the other hand, abrogated insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation. Basal, but not insulin-stimulated, activity of the serine/threonine kinase Akt was required for the induction of GLUT4 translocation by constitutively active Rac1 or FLJ00068. Collectively, Rac1 activation specifically in membrane ruffles by the GEF FLJ00068 is sufficient for insulin induction of glucose uptake into skeletal-muscle cells.

Passive stretching produces Akt- and MAPK-dependent augmentations of GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in skeletal muscles of mice

Muscle contraction is accompanied by passive stretching or deformation of cells and tissues. The present study aims to clarify whether or not acute passive stretching evokes glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation and glucose uptake in skeletal muscles of mice. Passive stretching mainly induced GLUT4 translocation from an intracellular membrane-rich fraction (PF5) to a plasma membrane-rich fraction (F2) and accelerated glucose uptake in hindlimb muscles; whereas electrical stimulation, which mimics physical exercise in vivo, and insulin, each induced GLUT4 translocation from an intracellular membrane-rich fraction (PF5) to a fraction rich in plasma membrane (F2), and to one rich in transverse tubules (PF3), along with subsequent glucose uptake. Mechanical stretching increased phosphorylation of Akt and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), but it had no apparent effect on the activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Electrical stimulation augmented the activity of not only AMPK but also phosphorylation of Akt and p38 MAPK. Our results suggest that passive stretching produces translocation of GLUT4 mainly from the fraction rich in intracellular membrane to that rich in plasma membrane, and that the glucose uptake could be Akt- and p38 MAPK-dependent, but AMPK-independent manners.

Ceramide and glucosamine antagonism of alternate signaling pathways regulating insulin- and osmotic shock-induced glucose transporter 4 translocation.

In addition to insulin, hyperosmolarity induces glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. However, in contrast to insulin this stimulation is independent of PI3K/Akt. In this study we assessed whether ceramide and/or glucosamine, two known insulin-signaling antagonists, also affected the PI3K/Akt-independent signal. Insulin, but not hyperosmolarity, clearly increased the activities of PI3K and Akt. C2-ceramide did not alter insulin-stimulated PI3K activity, but did decrease the ability of insulin to activate Akt and GLUT4 translocation. Consistent with osmotic shock-mediated GLUT4 translocation being independent of PI3K/Akt, GLUT4 translocation induced by hyperosmolarity was not altered by C2-ceramide. In contrast to the specific C2-ceramide-induced attenuation of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation, overexpression of glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, and/or pretreatment of cells with glucosamine, a precursor of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, inhibited both insulin- and hyperosmolarity-stimulated GLUT4 translocation. Glucosamine did not alter any of the known proximal insulin signal transduction events. These data suggest that although the hyperosmolarity-induced signal bypasses the initial insulin signal transduction steps, it is likely to induce GLUT4 translocation through activation of a common convergent signal transduction step, targeted by UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, downstream of and/or in parallel to PI3K/Akt.

Ceramide and Glucosamine Antagonism of Alternate Signaling Pathways Regulating Insulin- and Osmotic Shock-Induced Glucose Transporter 4 Translocation

In addition to insulin, hyperosmolarity induces glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. However, in contrast to insulin this stimulation is independent of PI3K/Akt. In this study we assessed whether ceramide and/or glucosamine, two known insulin-signaling antagonists, also affected the PI3K/Akt-independent signal. Insulin, but not hyperosmolarity, clearly increased the activities of PI3K and Akt. C2-ceramide did not alter insulin-stimulated PI3K activity, but did decrease the ability of insulin to activate Akt and GLUT4 translocation. Consistent with osmotic shock- mediated GLUT4 translocation being independent of PI3K/Akt, GLUT4 translocation induced by hyperosmolarity was not altered by C2-ceramide. In contrast to the specific C2-ceramide-induced attenuation of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation, overexpression of glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, and/or pretreatment of cells with glucosamine, a precursor of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, inhibited both insulin- and hyperosmolarity-stimulated GLUT4 translocation. Glucosamine did not alter any of the known proximal insulin signal transduction events. These data suggest that although the hyperosmolarity-induced signal bypasses the initial insulin signal transduction steps, it is likely to induce GLUT4 translocation through activation of a common convergent signal transduction step, targeted by UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, downstream of and/or in parallel to PI3K/Akt.

Identification of Wortmannin-sensitive Targets in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes: DISSOCIATION OF INSULIN-STIMULATED GLUCOSE UPTAKE AND GLUT4 TRANSLOCATION

The current studies investigated the contribution of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) isoforms to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation. Experiments involving the microinjection of antibodies specific for the p110 catalytic subunit of class I PI3-kinases demonstrated an absolute requirement for this form of the enzyme in GLUT4 translocation. This finding was confirmed by the demonstration that the PI3-kinase antagonist wortmannin inhibits GLUT4 and insulin-responsive aminopeptidase translocation with a dose response identical to that required to inhibit another class I PI3-kinase-dependent event, activation of pp70 S6-kinase. Interestingly, wortmannin inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose uptake at much lower doses, suggesting the existence of a second, higher affinity target of the drug. Subsequent removal of wortmannin from the media shifted this dose-response curve to one resembling that for GLUT4 translocation and pp70 S6-kinase. This is consistent with the lower affinity target being p110, which is irreversibly inhibited by wortmannin. Wortmannin did not reduce glucose uptake in cells stably expressing Myr-Akt, which constitutively induced GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane; this demonstrates that wortmannin does not inhibit the transporters directly. In addition to elucidating a second wortmannin-sensitive pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, these studies suggest that the presence of GLUT4 on the plasma membrane is not sufficient for activation of glucose uptake.