Insulin-stimulated Phosphorylation Of Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 Research Articles

Regulation of skeletal muscle insulin-stimulated signaling through the MEK-REDD1-mTOR axis

Recent findings in adipocytes suggest that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular-regulated signaling kinase (ERK) kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) signaling regulates regulated in development and DNA damage 1 (REDD1) protein expression. Similarly, our previous work show that a lack of REDD1 protein expression, and associated hyperactive basal mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, limits skeletal muscle's response to insulin. Therefore, we sought to determine: 1) if MEK1/2 inhibition is sufficient to reduce REDD1 protein expression and subsequently insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) tyrosine phosphorylation via negative feedback of hyperactive mTOR in REDD1 wild-type (WT) mice and 2) if rapamycin-mediated mTOR inhibition is sufficient to improve IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation in REDD1 knockout (KO) mice. REDD1 WT mice were injected with 10 mg/kg BW of the MEK1/2 non-competitive inhibitor, PD184352, 3 h prior to acute insulin treatment. In separate studies, REDD1 KO mice were injected with 5 mg/kg BW of the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, 3 h prior to acute insulin treatment. Following the inhibitor treatment period, markers of insulin signaling activation (IRS-1 Y1222, MEK1/2 S217/221, ERK1/2 T202/Y204), REDD1, and mTOR signaling activation (S6K1 T389, rpS6 S240/244) were examined in skeletal muscle collected before and after a 10 min insulin treatment. PD184352 treatment reduced MEK/ERK phosphorylation and REDD1 protein expression, independent of insulin. This reduction in REDD1 protein expression was associated with elevated basal S6K1 and rpS6 phosphorylation and reduced insulin stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation. Conversely, rapamycin inhibited S6K1 and rpS6 activation, and significantly improved insulin –stimulated activation of IRS-1 and MEK1/2 in KO mice. These data support that REDD1 is required for normal insulin-stimulated signaling, and that a subtle balance exists between MEK1/2, REDD1, and mTOR for the proper regulation of insulin signaling.

Interleukin-1β inhibits insulin signaling and prevents insulin-stimulated system A amino acid transport in primary human trophoblasts

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) promotes insulin resistance in tissues such as liver and skeletal muscle; however the influence of IL-1β on placental insulin signaling is unknown. We recently reported increased IL-1β protein expression in placentas of obese mothers, which could contribute to insulin resistance. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that IL-1β inhibits insulin signaling and prevents insulin-stimulated amino acid transport in cultured primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells. Cultured trophoblasts isolated from term placentas were treated with physiological concentrations of IL-1β (10pg/ml) for 24h. IL-1β increased the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) at Ser307 (inhibitory) and decreased total IRS-1 protein abundance but did not affect insulin receptor β expression. Furthermore, IL-1β inhibited insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of IRS-1 (Tyr612, activation site) and Akt (Thr308) and prevented insulin-stimulated increase in PI3K/p85 and Grb2 protein expression. IL-1β alone stimulated cRaf (Ser338), MEK (Ser221) and Erk1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204) phosphorylation. The inflammatory pathways nuclear factor kappa B and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, which are involved in insulin resistance, were also activated by IL-1β treatment. Moreover, IL-1β inhibited insulin-stimulated System A, but not System L amino acid uptake, indicating functional impairment of insulin signaling. In conclusion, IL-1β inhibited the insulin signaling pathway by inhibiting IRS-1 signaling and prevented insulin-stimulated System A transport, thereby promoting insulin resistance in cultured PHT cells. These findings indicate that conditions which lead to increased systemic maternal or placental IL-1β levels may attenuate the effects of maternal insulin on placental function and consequently fetal growth.

Palmitate-Activated Macrophages Confer Insulin Resistance to Muscle Cells by a Mechanism Involving Protein Kinase C θ and ε

BackgroundMacrophage-derived factors contribute to whole-body insulin resistance, partly by impinging on metabolically active tissues. As proof of principle for this interaction, conditioned medium from macrophages treated with palmitate (CM-PA) reduces insulin action and glucose uptake in muscle cells. However, the mechanism whereby CM-PA confers this negative response onto muscle cells remains unknown.Methodology/Principal FindingsL6-GLUT4myc myoblasts were exposed for 24 h to palmitate-free conditioned medium from RAW 264.7 macrophages pre-treated with 0.5 mM palmitate for 6 h. This palmitate-free CM-PA, containing selective cytokines and chemokines, inhibited myoblast insulin-stimulated insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) tyrosine phosphorylation, AS160 phosphorylation, GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake. These effects were accompanied by a rise in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, degradation of Inhibitor of κBα (IκBα), and elevated expression of proinflammatory cytokines in myoblasts. Notably, CM-PA caused IRS1 phosphorylation on Ser1101, and phosphorylation of novel PKCθ and ε. Co-incubation of myoblasts with CM-PA and the novel and conventional PKC inhibitor Gö6983 (but not with the conventional PKC inhibitor Gö6976) prevented PKCθ and ε activation, JNK phosphorylation, restored IκBα mass and reduced proinflammatory cytokine production. Gö6983 also restored insulin signalling and glucose uptake in myoblasts. Moreover, co-silencing both novel PKC θ and ε isoforms in myoblasts by RNA interference, but not their individual silencing, prevented the inflammatory response and restored insulin sensitivity to CM-PA-treated myoblasts.Conclusions/Clinical SignificanceThe results suggest that the block in muscle insulin action caused by CM-PA is mediated by novel PKCθ and PKCε. This study re-establishes the participation of macrophages as a relay in the action of fatty acids on muscle cells, and further identifies PKCθ and PKCε as key elements in the inflammatory and insulin resistance responses of muscle cells to macrophage products. Furthermore, it portrays these PKC isoforms as potential targets for the treatment of fatty acid-induced, inflammation-linked insulin resistance.

Raptor Binds the SAIN (Shc and IRS-1 NPXY Binding) Domain of Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 (IRS-1) and Regulates the Phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser-636/639 by mTOR

In normal physiological states mTOR phosphorylates and activates Akt. However, under diabetic-mimicking conditions mTOR inhibits phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase/Akt signaling by phosphorylating insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) at Ser-636/639. The molecular basis for the differential effect of mTOR signaling on Akt is poorly understood. Here, it has been shown that knockdown of mTOR, Raptor, and mLST8, but not Rictor and mSin1, suppresses insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser-636/639 and stabilizes IRS-1 after long term insulin stimulation. This phosphorylation depends on the PI 3-kinase/PDK1 axis but is Akt-independent. At the molecular level, Raptor binds the SAIN (Shc and IRS-1 NPXY binding) domain of IRS-1 and regulates the phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser-636/639 by mTOR. IRS-1 lacking the SAIN domain does not interact with Raptor, is not phosphorylated at Ser-636/639, and favorably interacts with PI 3-kinase. Overall, these data provide new insights in the molecular mechanisms by which mTORC1 inhibits PI 3-kinase/Akt signaling at the level of IRS-1 and suggest that mTOR signaling toward Akt is scaffold-dependent.

The subcellular fractionation properties and function of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) are independent of cytoskeletal integrity

Efficient insulin action requires spatial and temporal coordination of signaling cascades. The prototypical insulin receptor substrate, IRS-1 plays a central role in insulin signaling. By subcellular fractionation IRS-1 is enriched in a particulate fraction, termed the high speed pellet (HSP), and its redistribution from this fraction is associated with signal attenuation and insulin resistance. Anecdotal evidence suggests the cytoskeleton may underpin the localization of IRS-1 to the HSP. In the present study we have taken a systematic approach to examine whether the cytoskeleton contributes to the subcellular fractionation properties and function of IRS-1. By standard microscopy or immunoprecipitation we were unable to detect evidence to support a specific interaction between IRS-1 and the major cytoskeletal components actin (microfilaments), vimentin (intermediate filaments), and tubulin (microtubules) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes or in CHO.IR.IRS-1 cells. Pharmacological disruption of microfilaments and microtubules, individually or in combination, was without effect on the subcellular distribution of IRS-1 or insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation in either cell type. Phosphorylation of Akt was modestly reduced (20–35%) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes but not in CHO.IR.IRS-1 cells. In cells lacking intermediate filaments (Vim −/−) IRS-1 expression, distribution and insulin-stimulated phosphorylation appeared normal. Even after depolymerisation of microfilaments and microtubules, insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of IRS-1 and Akt were maintained in Vim −/− cells. Taken together these data indicate that the characteristic subcellular fractionation properties and function of IRS-1 are unlikely to be mediated by cytoskeletal networks and that proximal insulin signaling does not require an intact cytoskeleton.

The Phosphorylation of Ser318 of Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 Is Not per se Inhibitory in Skeletal Muscle Cells but Is Necessary to Trigger the Attenuation of the Insulin-stimulated Signal

The Ser/Thr phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS) is one key mechanism to stimulate and/or attenuate insulin signal transduction. Using a phospho-specific polyclonal antibody directed against phosphorylated Ser(318) of IRS-1, we found a rapid and transient insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Ser(318) in human and rodent skeletal muscle cell models and in muscle tissue of insulin-treated mice. None of the investigated insulin resistance-associated factors (e.g. high glucose, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, adrenaline) stimulated the phosphorylation of Ser(318). Studying the function of this phosphorylation, we found that replacing Ser(318) by alanine completely prevented both the attenuation of insulin-stimulated Akt/protein kinase B Ser(473) phosphorylation and glucose uptake after 60 min of insulin stimulation. Unexpectedly, after acute insulin stimulation, we observed that phosphorylation of Ser(318) is not inhibitory but rather enhances insulin signal transduction because introduction of Ala(318) led to a reduction of the insulin-stimulated Akt/protein kinase B phosphorylation. Furthermore, replacing Ser(318) by glutamate, i.e. mimicking phosphorylation, improved glucose uptake after acute insulin stimulation. These data suggest that phosphorylation of Ser(318) is not per se inhibitory but is necessary to trigger the attenuation of the insulin-stimulated signal in skeletal muscle cells. Investigating the molecular mechanism of insulin-stimulated Ser(318) phosphorylation, we found that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-mediated activation of atypical protein kinase C-zeta and recruitment of protein kinase C-zeta to IRS-1 was responsible for this phosphorylation. We conclude that Ser(318) phosphorylation of IRS-1 is an early physiological event in insulin-stimulated signal transduction, which attenuates the continuing action of insulin.

Mechanism of feedback regulation of insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation in primary adipocytes

Serine and threonine phosphorylation of IRS-1 (insulin receptor substrate-1) has been reported to decrease its ability to be tyrosine-phosphorylated by the insulin receptor. Insulin itself may negatively regulate tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 through a PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)-dependent feedback pathway. In the present study, we examined the regulation and role of IRS-1 serine phosphorylation in the modulation of IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation in physiologically relevant cells, namely freshly isolated primary adipocytes. We show that insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Ser312 and Ser616 in IRS-1 was relatively slow, with maximal phosphorylation achieved after 20 and 5 min respectively. The effect of insulin on phosphorylation of both these sites required the activation of PI3K and the MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2), but not the activation of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin)/p70S6 kinase, JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) or p38MAPK. Although inhibition of PI3K and ERK1/2 both substantially decreased insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Ser312 and Ser616, only wortmannin enhanced insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1. Furthermore, inhibition of mTOR/p70S6 kinase, JNK or p38MAPK had no effect on insulin-stimulated IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation. The differential effect of inhibition of ERK1/2 on insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation of Ser312/Ser616 and tyrosine indicates that these events are independent of each other and that phosphorylation of Ser312/Ser616 is not responsible for the negative regulation of IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation mediated by PI3K in primary adipocytes.

Activation of the Hexosamine Pathway Leads to Phosphorylation of Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 on Ser307 and Ser612 and Impairs the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Insulin Biosynthetic Pathway in RIN Pancreatic β-Cells

Many adverse effects of glucose were attributed to its increased routing through the hexosamine pathway (HBP). There is evidence for an autocrine role of the insulin signaling in beta-cell function. We tested the hypothesis that activation of the HBP induces defects in insulin biosynthesis by affecting the insulin-mediated protein translation signaling. Exposure of human pancreatic islets and RIN beta-cells to glucosamine resulted in reduction in glucose- and insulin-stimulated insulin biosynthesis, which in RIN beta-cells was associated with impairment in insulin-stimulated insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) phosphorylation at Tyr(608) and Tyr(628), which are essential for engaging phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase). These changes were accompanied by impaired activation of PI 3-kinase, and activation of Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin/phosphorylated heat- and acid-stable protein-1/p70S6 kinase pathway. RIN beta-cells exposed to high glucose exhibited increased c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and ERK1/2 activity, which was associated with increased IRS-1 phosphorylation at serine (Ser)(307) and Ser(612), respectively, that inhibits coupling of IRS-1 to the insulin receptor and is upstream of the inhibition of IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation. Azaserine reverted the stimulatory effects of high glucose on JNK and ERK1/2 activity and IRS-1 phosphorylation at Ser(307) and Ser(612). Glucosamine mimicked the stimulatory effects of high glucose on JNK and ERK1/2 activity and IRS-1 phosphorylation at Ser(307) and Ser(612). Inhibition of JNK and MAPK kinase-1 activity reverted the negative effects of glucosamine on insulin-mediated protein synthesis. These results suggest that activation of the HBP accounts, in part, for glucose-induced phosphorylation at Ser(307) and Ser(612) of IRS-1 mediated by JNK and ERK1/2, respectively. These changes result in impaired coupling of IRS-1 and PI 3-kinase, and activation of the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin/phosphorylated heat- and acid-stable protein-1/p70S6 kinase pathway.

Tissue-specific regulation of early steps in insulin action in septic rats

Sepsis is known to induce insulin resistance, but the exact molecular mechanism involved is unknown. In the present study we have examined the levels and phosphorylation state of the insulin receptor and of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), as well as the association between IRS-1 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) in the liver and muscle of septic rats by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting with anti-insulin receptor, anti-IRS-1, anti-PI 3-kinase and anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies. There were no changes in the insulin receptor concentration and phosphorylation levels in the liver and muscle of septic rats. IRS-1 protein levels were decreased by 40 ± 3% (p < 0.01) in muscle but not in liver of septic rats. In samples previously immunoprecipitated with anti-IRS-1 antibody and blotted with antiphosphotyrosine antibody, the insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation levels in the muscle of septic rats decreased by 38 ± 5% (p < 0.01) and insulin-stimulated IRS-1 association with PI 3-kinase decreased by 44 ± 7% in muscle (p < 0.01) but no changes were seen in liver. These data suggest that there is a tissue-specific regulation of early steps of insulin signal transduction in septic rats, and the changes observed in muscle may have a role in the insulin resistance of these animals.

A High Fructose Diet Affects the Early Steps of Insulin Action in Muscle and Liver of Rats

A high fructose diet induces insulin resistance in rats, although the exact molecular mechanism involved is unknown. In this study, we used immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting to examine the levels and phosphorylation status of the insulin receptor (IR) and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), as well as the association of the IRS-1 with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), and phosphotyrosine phosphatase (SHP2) in the liver and muscle of rats fed a control or high fructose diet for 28 d. There were no differences in IR and the IRS-1 protein levels in the liver and muscle of rats fed the control and high fructose diets. However, tyrosine-phosphorylation of the insulin receptor after insulin stimulation was reduced to 71 +/- 2% (P < 0.05) of control in the liver of the fructose-fed rats. In samples previously immunoprecipitated with anti-IRS-1 antibody and blotted with antiphosphotyrosine antibody, the insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation levels in the liver and muscle of the fructose-fed group were only 70 +/- 6% (P < 0.05) and 76 +/- 5% (P < 0.05) of those of control rats, respectively. The insulin-stimulated IRS-1 association with PI 3-kinase was reduced to 84 +/- 3% (P < 0.05) in the liver and to 84 +/- 4% (P < 0.05) in the muscle of the fructose-fed group compared with control rats. Insulin-stimulated IRS-1 association with SHP2 was reduced to 79 +/- 5% (P < 0.05) in liver of the fructose-fed rats. These data suggest that changes in the early steps of insulin signal transduction may have an important role in the insulin resistance observed in these rats.

Inhibition of IRS-1 Phosphorylation and the Alterations of GLUT4 in Isolated Adipocytes from Cachectic Tumor-Bearing Rats

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance in isolated adipocytes from methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma-bearing rats were investigated by measuring 3-O-[14C]methyl glucose transport activity, glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) protein in both plasma membrane and low-density microsomes, and insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor (IR) and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1). Compared to both pair-fed and freely fed controls, tumor-bearing rats (TBR) had a decreased insulin-stimulated glucose transport activity with a lowerVmaxand a higher EC50. GLUT4 protein in low-density microsomes from adipocytes maintained at the basal state was less in TBR than in controls. In insulin-stimulated adipocytes, GLUT4 protein in plasma membranes was also less in tumor-bearing rats than in controls. Insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 was less in TBR than controls, but that of the IR was similar among the three groups. These data suggest that the insulin resistance seen in adipose cells of these tumor-bearing rats was caused in part by a decreased amount of GLUT4 protein in both basal and insulin-stimulated states resulting from the selective inhibition of insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of IRS-1.

Cys860 in the extracellular domain of insulin receptor beta-subunit is critical for internalization and signal transduction.

The C860S mutation (IRC860S) in the extracellular domain of the insulin receptor beta-subunit has previously been shown to result in an inhibition of insulin receptor internalization. The present work aims at further dissecting the consequences of this mutation not only on insulin receptor internalization, but also on the signaling of the receptor. Following transfection of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells with insulin receptors with the C860S mutation (CHO-IRC860S) and quantitative electron microscopic analysis of [125I]insulin localization in these cells, the inhibition of receptor internalization appears to be due to an inhibition of the lateral translocation of the receptor from microvilli to nonvillous domains of the cell surface. At 37 C, insulin-stimulated insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) phosphorylation is inhibited by 50% in CHO-IRC860S, whereas Shc phosphorylation remains unaffected. The inhibition of IRS-1 phosphorylation is still present when experiments are conducted at 4 C, a temperature at which insulin receptor internalization is prevented, suggesting that the defect in IRS-1 phosphorylation is not due to the reduced internalization of the receptor. In terms of biological effects, the mutation has negative consequences on insulin-stimulated c-fos expression and DNA synthesis as well as on glycogen synthase activity. Eventually, the events observed are specific for Cys860, as individual substitution of the two more proximal Cys residues (795 and 872) to Ser is not accompanied by any change in either insulin-induced insulin receptor internalization or IRS-1 phosphorylation. Thus, the present analysis of CHO-IRC860S 1) reveals that insulin receptor surface redistribution is not solely dependent on receptor autophosphorylation, 2) emphasizes that IRS-1 phosphorylation is not dependent on receptor internalization and can be triggered from microvilli, and 3) stresses divergent aspects between two of the major signaling pathways of the insulin receptor.

Effect of captopril, losartan, and bradykinin on early steps of insulin action.

Insulin initiates its metabolic and growth-promoting effects by binding to the alpha subunit of its receptor, thereby activating the kinase in the beta subunit. This event leads to tyrosyl phosphorylation of its cytosolic substrate, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), which in turn associates with and activates phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase. The clinical use of ACE inhibitors has been associated with increased insulin sensitivity. However, the exact molecular mechanism is unknown. In the present study, we examined the phosphorylation status of the insulin receptor and IRS-1, as well as the association between IRS-1 and PI 3-kinase in the liver and muscle of 20-month-old rats treated acutely with captopril, using immunoprecipitation with antipeptide antibodies to the insulin receptor and IRS-1, and immunoblotting with antiphosphotyrosine and anti-PI 3-kinase antibodies. Insulin stimulation increased receptor autophosphorylation to 462 +/- 253% (P < 0.05) in the liver and 697 +/- 78% (P < 0.001) in the muscle of ACE inhibitor-treated rats. There were also increases to 250 +/- 17% (P < 0.001) and 280 +/- 50% (P < 0.05) in the insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation levels in the liver and muscle, respectively, of animals treated with captopril. The insulin-stimulated IRS-1 association with PI 3-kinase rose to 305 +/- 20% (P < 0.001) in liver and 267 +/- 48% (P < 0.05) in muscle. Losartan, an ANG receptor blocker, had no significant effect on insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation in both tissues. The acute administration of bradykinin increased insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and IRS-1 in the liver and muscle. These data demonstrate that ACE inhibitors modulate the early steps of insulin signaling, and that this effect may be simulated by the administration of bradykinin.

Defects in insulin signal transduction in liver and muscle of pregnant rats.

Pregnancy is known to induce resistance, but the exact molecular mechanism involved is unknown. In the present study, we have examined the levels and phosphorylation state of the insulin receptor and of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), as well as the association between IRS-1 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) in the liver and muscle of pregnant rats (day 20 of gestation) by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting with anti-insulin receptor, anti-IRS-1, anti-PI 3-kinase and anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies. There were no changes in the insulin receptor concentration in the liver and muscle of pregnant rats. However, insulin stimulation of receptor autophosphorylation, as determined by immunoblotting with antiphosphotyrosine antibody, was reduced by 30 +/- 6% (p < 0.02) in muscle and 36 +/- 5% (p < 0.01) in liver at day 20 of gestation. IRS-1 protein levels decreased by 45 +/- 6% (p < 0.002) in liver and by 56 +/- 9% (p < 0.002) in muscle of pregnant rats. In samples previously immunoprecipitated with anti-IRS-1 antibody and blotted with antiphosphotyrosine antibody, the insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation levels in the muscle and liver of pregnant rats decreased by 70 +/- 9% (p < 0.01) and 75 +/- 8% (p < 0.01), respectively. The insulin-stimulated IRS-1 association with PI 3-kinase decreased by 81 +/- 6% in muscle (p < 0.01) and 79 +/- 11% (p < 0.01) in the liver during pregnancy. These data suggest that changes in the early steps of insulin signal transduction may have a role in the insulin resistance observed in pregnancy.

Effect of tumor necrosis factor-α on the phosphorylation of tyrosine kinase receptors is associated with dynamic alterations in specific protein-tyrosine phosphatases

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) can modulate the signalling capacity of tyrosine kinase receptors; in particular, TNF-alpha has been shown to mediate the insulin resistance associated with animal models of obesity and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. In order to determine whether the effects of TNF-alpha might involve alterations in the expression of specific protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) that have been implicated in the regulation of growth factor receptor signalling, KRC-7 rat hepatoma cells were treated with TNF-alpha, and changes in overall tissue PTPase activity and the abundance of three major hepatic PTPases (LAR, PTP1B, and SH-PTP2) were measured in addition to effects of TNF-alpha on ligand-stimulated autophosphorylation of insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors and insulin-stimulated insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) phosphorylation. TNF-alpha caused a dose-dependent decrease in insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation and EGF-stimulated receptor autophosphorylation to 47-50% of control. Overall PTPase activity in the cytosol fraction did not change with TNF-alpha treatment, and PTPase activity in the particulate fraction was decreased by 55-66%, demonstrating that increases in total cellular PTPase activity did not account for the observed alterations in receptor signalling. However, immunoblot analysis showed that TNF-alpha treatment resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in the abundance of SH-PTP2, a 49% decrease in the transmembrane PTPase LAR, and no evident change in the expression of PTP1B. These data suggest that at least part of the TNF-alpha effect on pathways of reversible tyrosine phosphorylation may be exerted through the dynamic modulation of the expression of specific PTPases. Since SH-PTP2 has been shown to interact directly with both the EGF receptor and IRS-1, increased abundance of this PTPase, may mediate the TNF-alpha effect to inhibit signalling through these proteins. Furthermore, decreased abundance of the LAR PTPase, which has been implicated in the regulation of insulin receptor phosphorylation, may account for the less marked effect of TNF-alpha on the autophosphorylation state of the insulin receptor while postreceptor actions of insulin are inhibited.

Effect of tumor necrosis factor‐α on the phosphorylation of tyrosine kinase receptors is associated with dynamic alterations in specific protein‐tyrosine phosphatases

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) can modulate the signalling capacity of tyrosine kinase receptors; in particular, TNF-α has been shown to mediate the insulin resistance associated with animal models of obesity and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. In order to determine whether the effects of TNF-α might involve alterations in the expression of specific protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) that have been implicated in the regulation of growth factor receptor signalling, KRC-7 rat hepatoma cells were treated with TNF-α, and changes in overall tissue PTPase activity and the abundance of three major hepatic PTPases (LAR, PTP1B, and SH-PTP2) were measured in addition to effects of TNF-α on ligand-stimulated autophosphorylation of insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors and insulin-stimulated insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) phosphorylation. TNF-α caused a dose-dependent decrease in insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation and EGF-stimulated receptor autophosphorylation to 47–50% of control. Overall PTPase activity in the cytosol fraction did not change with TNF-α treatment, and PTPase activity in the particulate fraction was decreased by 55–66%, demonstrating that increases in total cellular PTPase activity did not account for the observed alterations in receptor signalling. However, immunoblot analysis showed that TNF-α treatment resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in the abundance of SH-PTP2, a 49% decrease in the transmembrane PTPase LAR, and no evident change in the expression of PTP1B. These data suggest that at least part of the TNF-α effect on pathways of reversible tyrosine phosphorylation may be exerted through the dynamic modulation of the expression of specific PTPases. Since SH-PTP2 has been shown to interact directly with both the EGF receptor and IRS-1, increased abundance of this PTPase may mediate the TNF-α effect to inhibit signalling through these proteins. Furthermore, decreased abundance of the LAR PTPase, which has been implicated in the regulation of insulin receptor phosphorylation, may account for the less marked effect of TNF-α on the autophosphorylation state of the insulin receptor while postreceptor actions of insulin are inhibited. J. Cell. Biochem. 64:117–127. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Expression of Dominant Negative Mutant SHPTP2 Attenuates Phosphatidylinositol 3′-Kinase Activity via Modulation of Phosphorylation of Insulin Receptor Substrate-1

To clarify the role of protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) containing Src homology 2 regions (SHPTP2) in insulin signaling, either wild-type or mutant SHPTP2 (delta PTP; lacking full PTPase domain) was expressed in Rat 1 fibroblasts overexpressing human insulin receptors. In response to insulin, phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), IRS-1-associated PTPase activities and phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3'-kinase activities were slightly enhanced in wild-type cells when compared with those in the parent cells transfected with hygromycin-resistant gene alone. In contrast, introduction of delta PTP inhibited insulin-induced association of IRS-1 with endogenous SHPTP2 and impaired both insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of IRS-1 and activation of PI 3'-kinase. Furthermore, decreased content of p85 subunit of PI 3'-kinase was also found in mutant cells. Consistently, the insulin-stimulated mitogen-activated protein kinase activities and DNA synthesis were also enhanced in wild-type cells, but impaired in mutant cells. Thus, the interaction of SHPTP2 with IRS-1 may be associated with modulation of phosphorylation levels of IRS-1, resulting in the changes of PI 3'-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase activity. Furthermore, an impaired insulin signaling in mutant cells may be partly reflected in a decreased content of p85 protein of PI 3'-kinase.

Impaired Insulin Signaling in Skeletal Muscles from Transgenic Mice Expressing Kinase-deficient Insulin Receptors

Transgenic mice which overexpress kinase-deficient human insulin receptors in muscle were used to study the relationship between insulin receptor tyrosine kinase and the in vivo activation of several downstream signaling pathways. Intravenous insulin stimulated insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity by 7-fold in control muscle versus < or = 1.5-fold in muscle from transgenic mice. Similarly, insulin failed to stimulate tyrosyl phosphorylation of receptor beta-subunits or insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) in transgenic muscle. Insulin substantially stimulated IRS-1-associated phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase in control versus absent stimulation in transgenic muscles. In contrast, insulin-like growth factor 1 modestly stimulated PI 3-kinase in both control and transgenic muscle. The effects of insulin to stimulate p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-fos mRNA expression were also markedly impaired in transgenic muscle. Specific immunoprecipitation of human receptors followed by measurement of residual insulin receptors suggested the presence of hybrid mouse-human heterodimers. In contrast, negligible hybrid formation involving insulin-like growth factor 1 receptors was evident. We conclude that (i) transgenic expression of kinase-defective insulin receptors exerts dominant-negative effects at the level of receptor auto-phosphorylation and kinase activation; (ii) insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity is required for in vivo insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation, IRS-1-associated PI 3-kinase activation, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, and c-fos gene induction in skeletal muscle; (iii) hybrid receptor formation is likely to contribute to the in vivo dominant-negative effects of kinase-defective receptor expression.

Insulin and dexamethasone regulate insulin receptors, insulin receptor substrate-1, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in Fao hepatoma cells.

Insulin rapidly stimulates tyrosine kinase activity of its receptor, resulting in phosphorylation of the cytosolic substrate, insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), which, in turn, associates with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), thus activating the enzyme. In the present study we have examined these three early postreceptor components of the insulin action pathway in rat hepatoma (Fao) cells and have determined the effects of two hormones that can induce insulin resistance, dexamethasone and insulin. Dexamethasone (1 microM) induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in insulin receptor levels in Fao cells, reaching 135 +/- 3% of basal levels after 24 h (P < 0.05). There was a simultaneous increase in IRS-1 protein to 255 +/- 66% of the control value (P < 0.05) and a parallel increase in IRS-1 phosphorylation. Insulin stimulation of IRS-1-associated PI 3-kinase was also increased by 70% in cells treated with dexamethasone despite only a minimal increase in PI 3-kinase protein, as determined by immunoblotting. Prolonged insulin treatment induced a time- and dose-dependent decrease in insulin receptor and IRS-1 protein levels, reaching nadirs of 40 +/- 4% (P < 0.01) and 15 +/- 6% (P < 0.005) of control levels, respectively, after 24 h with 100 nM insulin. There was also a decrease in the phosphorylation of insulin receptors and IRS-1, a marked decrease in the association between IRS-1 and PI 3-kinase, and an 82% decrease in insulin-stimulated PI 3-kinase activity without a significant change in PI 3-kinase protein levels. When cells were exposed to both insulin and dexamethasone, the effect of insulin to reduce insulin receptor and IRS-1 levels and insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation dominated. These data suggest that regulation of the insulin receptor, IRS-1, and PI 3-kinase contributes significantly to the insulin resistance induced by chronic hyperinsulinemia, but that glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance is located beyond these early steps in insulin action.

Insulin and dexamethasone regulate insulin receptors, insulin receptor substrate-1, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in Fao hepatoma cells

Insulin rapidly stimulates tyrosine kinase activity of its receptor, resulting in phosphorylation of the cytosolic substrate, insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), which, in turn, associates with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), thus activating the enzyme. In the present study we have examined these three early postreceptor components of the insulin action pathway in rat hepatoma (Fao) cells and have determined the effects of two hormones that can induce insulin resistance, dexamethasone and insulin. Dexamethasone (1 microM) induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in insulin receptor levels in Fao cells, reaching 135 +/- 3% of basal levels after 24 h (P < 0.05). There was a simultaneous increase in IRS-1 protein to 255 +/- 66% of the control value (P < 0.05) and a parallel increase in IRS-1 phosphorylation. Insulin stimulation of IRS-1-associated PI 3-kinase was also increased by 70% in cells treated with dexamethasone despite only a minimal increase in PI 3-kinase protein, as determined by immunoblotting. Prolonged insulin treatment induced a time- and dose-dependent decrease in insulin receptor and IRS-1 protein levels, reaching nadirs of 40 +/- 4% (P < 0.01) and 15 +/- 6% (P < 0.005) of control levels, respectively, after 24 h with 100 nM insulin. There was also a decrease in the phosphorylation of insulin receptors and IRS-1, a marked decrease in the association between IRS-1 and PI 3-kinase, and an 82% decrease in insulin-stimulated PI 3-kinase activity without a significant change in PI 3-kinase protein levels. When cells were exposed to both insulin and dexamethasone, the effect of insulin to reduce insulin receptor and IRS-1 levels and insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation dominated. These data suggest that regulation of the insulin receptor, IRS-1, and PI 3-kinase contributes significantly to the insulin resistance induced by chronic hyperinsulinemia, but that glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance is located beyond these early steps in insulin action.