Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Protein Levels Research Articles

MiR-338-3p functions as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer by targeting PTP1B

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and peritoneal metastasis is the primary cause for advanced GC’s mortality. Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) functions as an oncogene and involves in carcinogenesis and cancer dissemination. However, the function and regulation of PTP1B in GC remain poorly understood. In this study, we found that PTP1B was upregulated in GC tissues and overexpression of PTP1B in vitro promoted cell migration and prevented apoptosis. Then, we predicted that PTP1B was a target of miR-338-3p and we revealed an inverse correlation between miR-338-3p levels and PTP1B protein levels in GC tissues. Next, we verified that PTP1B was inhibited by miR-338-3p via direct targeting to its 3′-untranslated regions. Moreover, overexpression of miR-338-3p in vitro attenuated GC cell migration and promoted apoptosis, and these effects could be partially reversed by reintroduction of PTP1B. Finally, we established an orthotopic xenograft model and a peritoneal dissemination model of GC to demonstrate that miR-338-3p restrained tumor growth and dissemination in vivo by targeting PTP1B. Taken together, our results highlight that PTP1B is an oncogene and is negatively regulated by miR-338-3p in GC, which may provide new insights into novel molecular therapeutic targets for GC.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery suppresses hypothalamic PTP1B protein level and alleviates leptin resistance in obese rats.

The present study aimed to explore the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) expression levels and leptin activity in hypothalami of obese rats. Obese rats induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) that underwent RYGB (n=11) or sham operation (SO, n=9), as well as an obese control cohort (Obese, n=10) and an additional normal-diet group (ND, n=10) were used. Food efficiency was measured at 8 weeks post-operation. Plasma leptin levels were evaluated and hypothalamic protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) levels and leptin signaling activity were examined at the genetic and protein levels. The results indicated that food efficiency was typically lower in RYGB rats compared with that in the Obese and SO rats. In the RYGB group, leptin receptor expression and proopiomelanocortin was significantly higher, while Neuropeptide Y levels were lower than those in the Obese and SO groups. Furthermore, the gene and protein expression levels of PTP1B in the RYGB group were lower, while levels of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 protein were much higher compared with those in the Obese and SO groups. In conclusion, RYGB surgery significantly suppressed hypothalamic PTP1B protein expression. PTP1B regulation may partially alleviate leptin resistance.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is required for cardiac lineage differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been shown to regulate multiple cellular events such as differentiation, cell growth, and proliferation; however, the role of PTP1B in differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells into cardiomyocytes remains unexplored. In the present study, we investigated the effects of PTP1B inhibition on differentiation of ES cells into cardiomyocytes. PTP1B mRNA and protein levels were increased during the differentiation of ES cells into cardiomyocytes. Accordingly, a stable ES cell line expressing PTP1B shRNA was established. In vitro, the number and size of spontaneously beating embryoid bodies were significantly decreased in PTP1B-knockdown cells, compared with the control cells. Decreased expression of cardiac-specific markers Nkx2-5, MHC-α, cTnT, and CX43, as assessed by real-time PCR analysis, was further confirmed by immunocytochemistry of the markers. The results also showed that PTP1B inhibition induced apoptosis in both differentiated and undifferentiated ES cells, as presented by increasing the level of cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome C, and cleaved PARP. Further analyses revealed that PTP1B inhibition did not change proliferation and pluripotency of undifferentiated ES cells. Taken together, the data presented here suggest that PTP1B is essential for proper differentiation of ES cells into cardiomyocytes.

Inhibition of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Improves IGF-I Receptor Signaling and Protects Against Inflammation-Induced Gliosis in the Retina.

Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) signaling mediates retinal growth and survival and its failure may contribute to aggravate diabetic retinopathy (DR). Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) negatively modulates IGF-IR signaling, but its involvement in inflammation during DR remains unknown. We investigated whether PTP1B participates in the cross-talk between proinflammatory signaling pathways and IGF-IR-mediated signaling in the retina. 661W photoreceptors or mouse retinal explants were treated with TNFα, IL6, and IL1β. Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor signaling cascade was evaluated in the absence or presence of PTP1B. db/db mice were used to test a PTP1B inhibitor in retinal gliosis. 661W retinal cells and retinal explants responded to IGF-I by inducing IGF-IR tyrosine (13-fold) and Akt phosphorylations (7- and 3-fold for serine 473 and threonine 308, respectively). Cytokines triggered early activation of stress kinases (c-jun [NH2] terminal kinase [JNK] and p38 MAPK), resulting in insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) serine 307 phosphorylation that precedes its degradation. Pretreatment of 661W cells or retinal explants with cytokines upregulated PTP1B protein levels (1.45- and 4.5-fold, respectively), induced IRS1 degradation and decreased IGF-I-mediated IGF-IR/Akt phosphorylation. Silencing or deficiency in PTP1B ameliorated the negative effects of cytokines on IGF-IR signaling. Cytokines increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in retinal explants by 4.5-fold, this response being reduced by 2-fold with a PTP1B inhibitor. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B protein levels increased by 3-fold in retinas from db/db mice and its inhibition reduced gliosis. Targeting PTP1B might be useful for modulating IGF-I effects in retinal cells during DR.

PTP1B Contributes to Calreticulin-Induced Metastatic Phenotypes in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Calreticulin (CRT) is a Ca(2+)-binding chaperone protein that alters cellular Ca(2+)-homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Previously it was shown that CRT was overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and elevated CRT expression promoted the migration and invasion of ESCC cells. In the present study, the mechanisms underlying the role of CRT in esophageal carcinoma progression were investigated. Critically, depletion of CRT or protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) reduced ESCC cell migration and metastasis to the lung, whereas restoration of PTP1B protein levels rescued cell migration in CRT-silenced cells. Knockdown of CRT decreased PTP1B protein expression by reducing phosphorylation at the Y694 site of STAT5A, whereas knockdown of PTP1B reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation at T204. Immunohistochemical analysis of CRT and PTP1B expression in ESCC patient tissues was strongly correlated. Importantly, PTP1B expression was associated with poor survival in patients with CRT overexpression. Overall, these data indicate a novel signaling pathway connecting CRT, STAT5A, PTP1B, and ERK1/2 in the regulation of ESCC cell migration. These findings suggest that PTP1B is a downstream effector of CRT signaling, promotes tumor progression, and can potentially be used as a new drug target for ESCC.

Acute exercise suppresses hypothalamic PTP1B protein level and improves insulin and leptin signaling in obese rats

Hypothalamic inflammation is associated with insulin and leptin resistance, hyperphagia, and obesity. In this scenario, hypothalamic protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has emerged as the key phosphatase induced by inflammation that is responsible for the central insulin and leptin resistance. Here, we demonstrated that acute exercise reduced inflammation and PTP1B protein level/activity in the hypothalamus of obese rodents. Exercise disrupted the interaction between PTP1B with proteins involved in the early steps of insulin (IRβ and IRS-1) and leptin (JAK2) signaling, increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of these molecules, and restored the anorexigenic effects of insulin and leptin in obese rats. Interestingly, the anti-inflammatory action and the reduction of PTP1B activity mediated by exercise occurred in an interleukin-6 (IL-6)-dependent manner because exercise failed to reduce inflammation and PTP1B protein level after the disruption of hypothalamic-specific IL-6 action in obese rats. Conversely, intracerebroventricular administration of recombinant IL-6 reproduced the effects of exercise, improving hypothalamic insulin and leptin action by reducing the inflammatory signaling and PTP1B activity in obese rats at rest. Taken together, our study reports that physical exercise restores insulin and leptin signaling, at least in part, by reducing hypothalamic PTP1B protein level through the central anti-inflammatory response.

Acute exercise decreases PTP-1B protein level and improves insulin signaling in the liver of old rats

It is now commonly accepted that chronic inflammation associated with obesity during aging induces insulin resistance in the liver. In the present study, we investigated whether the improvement in insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling, mediated by acute exercise, could be associated with modulation of protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP-1B) in the liver of old rats. Aging rats were subjected to swimming for two 1.5-h long bouts, separated by a 45 min rest period. Sixteen hours after the exercise, the rats were sacrificed and proteins from the insulin signaling pathway were analyzed by immunoblotting. Our results show that the fat mass was increased in old rats. The reduction in glucose disappearance rate (Kitt) observed in aged rats was restored 16 h after exercise. Aging increased the content of PTP-1B and attenuated insulin signaling in the liver of rats, a phenomenon that was reversed by exercise. Aging rats also increased the IRβ/PTP-1B and IRS-1/PTP-1B association in the liver when compared with young rats. Conversely, in the liver of exercised old rats, IRβ/PTP-1B and IRS-1/PTP-1B association was markedly decreased. Moreover, in the hepatic tissue of old rats, the insulin signalling was decreased and PEPCK and G6Pase levels were increased when compared with young rats. Interestingly, 16 h after acute exercise, the PEPCK and G6Pase protein level were decreased in the old exercised group. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms by which exercise restores insulin signalling in liver during aging.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) modulates palmitate-induced cytokine production in macrophage cells

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of PTP1B modulation on palmitate-induced cytokine production in macrophages. Lentiviruses carrying PTP1B-shRNA or cDNA at different multiplicities of infection (MOIs) were used to decrease and increase PTP1B expression in Raw 264.7 cells, respectively. mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. 0.5mM palmitate reduced PTP1B mRNA and protein levels by 25 and 19%, respectively, compared to untreated cells. Overexpression of PTP1B decreased mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in macrophages stimulated with palmitate. We found that protein and mRNA levels of cytokines significantly increased in knockdown cells stimulated by palmitate in a dose-dependent manner with increased MOI. NF-kB, JNK, p38 and ERK specific inhibitors significantly reduced the production of TNF-α and IL-6 in macrophages stimulated with palmitate and also PTP1B knockdown cells. Furthermore, inhibition of PTP1B resulted in increased phosphorylation of JNK, p38, ERK and NF-kB p65 in macrophage cells. The data of this study demonstrate that PTP1B negatively regulates palmitate-induced cytokine secretion in macrophages by mechanisms involving the activation of MAPKs and NF-kB pathways.

TNFα increases hypothalamic PTP1B activity via the NFκB pathway in rat hypothalamic organotypic cultures

In obesity, levels of tumor necrosis-factor α (TNFα) are well known to be elevated in adipose tissues or serum, and a high-fat diet (HFD) reportedly increases TNFα expression in the hypothalamus. The expression levels of hypothalamic protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a negative regulator of leptin and insulin signaling, are also elevated by HFD, and several lines of evidence support a relationship between TNFα and PTP1B. It remains unclear however how TNFα acts locally in the hypothalamus to regulate hypothalamic PTP1B expression and activity. In this study, we examined whether TNFα can regulate PTP1B expression and activity using rat hypothalamic organotypic cultures. Incubation of cultures with TNFα resulted in increases in mRNA expression, protein levels and activity of PTP1B in a dose- and time-dependent manner, respectively compared with controls. TNFα-induced PTP1B protein levels were not influenced by co-incubation with the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin, indicating that the action of TNFα is independent of action potentials. TNFα also increased phosphorylation of p65, a subunit of nuclear factor-κB (NFκB), in a dose- and time-dependent manner. While incubation with inhibitors of NFκB did not affect basal levels of either p65 phosphorylation or PTP1B expression, it markedly suppressed both TNFα-induced p65 phosphorylation and PTP1B expression to almost basal levels. These data suggest that TNFα acts on the hypothalamus to increase hypothalamic PTP1B expression and activity via the NFκB pathway, and that TNFα-mediated induction of NFκB in the hypothalamus may cause leptin and insulin resistance in the hypothalamus by increasing hypothalamic PTP1B activity.

Liver-specific deletion of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) 1B improves obesity- and pharmacologically induced endoplasmic reticulum stress

Obesity is associated with induction of the ER (endoplasmic reticulum)-stress response signalling and insulin resistance. PTP1B (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B) is a major regulator of adiposity and insulin sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of L-PTP1B (liver-specific PTP1B) in chronically HFD (high-fat diet) and pharmacologically induced (tunicamycin and thapsigargin) ER-stress response signalling in vitro and in vivo. We assessed the effects of ER-stress response induction on hepatic PTP1B expression, and consequences of hepatic-PTP1B deficiency, in cells and mouse liver, on components of ER-stress response signalling. We found that PTP1B protein and mRNA expression levels were up-regulated in response to acute and/or chronic ER stress, in vitro and in vivo. Silencing PTP1B in hepatic cell lines or mouse liver (L-PTP1B(-/-)) protected against induction of pharmacologically induced and/or obesity-induced ER stress. The HFD-induced increase in CHOP (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein) and BIP (binding immunoglobulin protein) mRNA levels were partially inhibited, whereas ATF4 (activated transcription factor 4), GADD34 (growth-arrest and DNA-damage-inducible protein 34), GRP94 (glucose-regulated protein 94), ERDJ4 (ER-localized DnaJ homologue) mRNAs and ATF6 protein cleavage were completely suppressed in L-PTP1B(-/-) mice relative to control littermates. L-PTP1B(-/-) mice also had increased nuclear translocation of spliced XBP-1 (X box-binding protein-1) via increased p85α binding. We demonstrate that the ER-stress response and L-PTP1B expression are interlinked in obesity- and pharmacologically induced ER stress and this may be one of the mechanisms behind improved insulin sensitivity and lower lipid accumulation in L-PTP1B(-/-) mice.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β regulates Tyr307 phosphorylation of protein phosphatase-2A via protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B but not Src

GSK-3β (glycogen synthase kinase-3β), a crucial tau kinase, negatively regulates PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A), the most active tau phosphatase that is suppressed in the brain in AD (Alzheimer's disease). However, the molecular mechanism is not understood. In the present study we found that activation of GSK-3β stimulates the inhibitory phosphorylation of PP2A at Tyr307 (pY307-PP2A), whereas inhibition of GSK-3β decreased the level of pY307-PP2A both in vitro and in vivo. GSK-3β is a serine/threonine kinase that can not phosphorylate tyrosine directly, therefore we measured PTP1B (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B) and Src (a tyrosine kinase) activities. We found that GSK-3β can modulate both PTP1B and Src protein levels, but it only inhibits PTP1B activity, with no effect on Src. Furthermore, only knockdown of PTP1B but not Src by siRNA (small interfering RNA) eliminates the effects of GSK-3β on PP2A. GSK-3β phosphorylates PTP1B at serine residues, and activation of GSK-3β reduces the mRNA level of PTP1B. Additionally, we also observed that GSK-3 negatively regulates the protein and mRNA levels of PP2A, and knockdown of CREB (cAMP-response-element-binding protein) abolishes the increase in PP2A induced by GSK-3 inhibition. The results of the present study suggest that GSK-3β inhibits PP2A by increasing the inhibitory Tyr307 phosphorylation and decreasing the expression of PP2A, and the mechanism involves inhibition of PTP1B and CREB.

HF diets increase hypothalamic PTP1B and induce leptin resistance through both leptin-dependent and -independent mechanisms

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) contributes to leptin resistance by inhibiting intracellular leptin receptor signaling. Mice with whole body or neuron-specific deletion of PTP1B are hypersensitive to leptin and resistant to diet-induced obesity. Here we report a significant increase in PTP1B protein levels in the mediobasal hypothalamus (P = 0.003) and a concomitant reduction in leptin sensitivity following 28 days of high-fat (HF) feeding in rats. A significant increase in PTP1B mRNA levels was also observed in rats chronically infused with leptin (3 microg/day icv) for 14 days (P = 0.01) and in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice infused with leptin (5 microg/day sc for 14 days; P = 0.003). When saline-infused ob/ob mice were placed on a HF diet for 14 days, an increase in hypothalamic PTP1B mRNA expression was detected (P = 0.001) despite the absence of circulating leptin. In addition, although ob/ob mice were much more sensitive to leptin on a low-fat (LF) diet, a reduction in this sensitivity was still observed following exposure to a HF diet. Taken together, these data indicate that hypothalamic PTP1B is specifically increased during HF diet-induced leptin resistance. This increase in PTP1B is due in part to chronic hyperleptinemia, suggesting that hyperleptinemia is one mechanism contributing to the development of leptin resistance. However, these data also indicate that leptin is not required for the increase in hypothalamic PTP1B or the development of leptin resistance. Therefore, additional, leptin-independent mechanisms must exist that increase hypothalamic PTP1B and contribute to leptin resistance.

Chronic insulin treatment suppresses PTP1B function, induces increased PDGF signaling, and amplifies neointima formation in the balloon-injured rat artery

We tested the hypothesis that hyperinsulinemia induces the suppression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) function, leading to enhanced PDGF receptor (PDGFR) signaling and neointimal hyperplasia. Rats were implanted with insulin-releasing pellets or sham pellets. Blood glucose levels, insulin levels, food and water intake, body weights, and blood pressures were measured. Neointimal hyperplasia was assessed by computerized morphometry 14 days after carotid balloon injury. PTP1B protein expression in injured arteries was determined via Western blot analysis, whereas PTP1B activity was determined via an immunophosphatase assay. Serum insulin levels were two- to threefold greater in hyperinsulinemic rats, whereas systolic blood pressures, food and water intake, serum triglyceride levels, plasma cortisol levels, and urinary catecholamine levels were not affected. Fourteen days after injury, neointima-to-media area ratios were 0.89 +/- 0.23 and 1.35 +/- 0.22 in control and hyperinsulinemic rats, respectively (P < 0.01). PTP1B protein levels and total PTP1B activity in injured carotid arteries from the insulin-treated group were significantly decreased 7 or 14 days after injury, whereas PTP1B specific activity was decreased only 14 days after injury. These findings were associated with decreased PTP1B mRNA levels and increased PDGFR tyrosyl phosphorylation in insulin-treated rats. These observations support the hypothesis that hyperinsulinemia induces the suppression of PTP1B function, leading to enhanced PDGFR signaling and neointimal hyperplasia.

Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Expression Is Induced by Inflammation in Vivo

Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a major negative regulator of insulin and leptin sensitivity. PTP1B overexpression in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle of humans and rodents may contribute to insulin resistance and obesity. The mechanisms mediating PTP1B overexpression in obese and diabetic states have been unclear. We find that adipose tissue inflammation and the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) regulate PTP1B expression in vivo. High fat feeding of mice increased PTP1B expression 1.5- to 7-fold in adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle, and arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus. PTP1B overexpression in high fat-fed mice coincided with increased adipose tissue expression of the macrophage marker CD68 and TNFalpha, which is implicated in causing obesity-induced insulin resistance. TNFalpha increased PTP1B mRNA and protein levels by 2- to 5-fold in a dose- and time-dependent manner in adipocyte and hepatocyte cell lines. TNFalpha administration in mice increased PTP1B mRNA 1.4- to 4-fold in adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle, and hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and PTP1B protein 2-fold in liver. Actinomycin D treatment blocked, and high dose salicylate treatment inhibited by 80%, TNFalpha-induced PTP1B expression in adipocyte cell lines, suggesting TNFalpha may induce PTP1B transcription via nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) activation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation from adipocyte cell lines and liver of mice demonstrated TNFalpha-induced recruitment of NFkappaB subunit p65 to the PTP1B promoter in vitro and in vivo. In mice with diet-induced obesity, TNFalpha deficiency also partly blocked PTP1B overexpression in adipose tissue. Our data suggest that PTP1B overexpression in multiple tissues in obesity is regulated by inflammation and that PTP1B may be a target of anti-inflammatory therapies.

PTP1B: A molecular mediator of leptin resistance.

Leptin acts in the brain to suppress food intake and body adiposity, but in most cases obesity is associated with a resistance to leptin action. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) dephosphorylates key components of the leptin receptor signaling cascade, and represents a molecular mediator of leptin resistance. Our recent work demonstrates that hypothalamic PTP1B levels are elevated in a model of aging-induced leptin resistance, and that acute inhibition of PTP1B improves hypothalamic leptin sensitivity in this setting. We therefore tested whether hypothalamic PTP1B is increased in diet-induced obesity, another model of leptin resistance. Twenty-eight days of high-fat (HF) feeding increased body weight and fat pad weights ( P <0.05) compared to low-fat (LF), and also increased PTP1B protein levels in the mediobasal hypothalamus ( P =0.003). To define a mechanism underlying this HF-induced increase in PTP1B, the independent effects of hyperleptinemia and exposure to a high-fat diet were tested. Leptin-deficient ob/ob mice were fed LF or HF diets and treated with leptin or saline for 14 days. Leptin treatment increased hypothalamic PTP1B in the LF mice ( P =0.003), but had no effect in HF mice. However, HF mice exhibited a marked increase in hypothalamic PTP1B mRNA irrespective of leptin treatment ( P <0.001). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that increases in hypothalamic PTP1B contribute to leptin resistance in response to a high-fat diet. While chronic increases in circulating leptin are sufficient to increase PTP1B, HF diets also directly stimulate hypothalamic PTP1B via a leptin-independent mechanism.

Increased Hypothalamic Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Contributes to Leptin Resistance with Age

Animals at advanced ages exhibit a reduction in central leptin sensitivity. However, changes in growth, metabolism, and obesity risk occur much earlier in life, particularly during the transition from youth to middle age. To determine when initial decreases in central leptin sensitivity occur, leptin-dependent suppression of food intake was tested in 8-, 12-, and 20-wk-old male, chow-fed Sprague Dawley rats. Intracerebroventricular leptin injection (3 microg) suppressed 24-h food intake in 8- and 12-wk-old rats (P < 0.05) but not 20-wk-old rats. To identify potential cellular mediators of this resistance, we focused on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a recently described inhibitor of leptin signaling. PTP1B protein levels, as determined by Western blot, were significantly higher in mediobasal hypothalamic punches collected from 20-wk-old rats, compared with 8-wk-old rats (P < 0.05). When 20-wk-old rats were fasted for 24 h, levels of hypothalamic PTP1B decreased (P < 0.05), coincident with a restoration of leptin sensitivity. To directly test whether inhibition of PTP1B restores leptin sensitivity, 20-wk-old chow-fed rats were pretreated with a pharmacological PTP1B inhibitor 1 h before leptin, and 24-h food intake was recorded. As expected, leptin alone produced a small but nonsignificant reduction in food intake. However, pretreatment with the PTP1B inhibitor resulted in a marked improvement in leptin-dependent suppression of food intake (P < 0.05). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that increases in PTP1B contribute to hypothalamic leptin resistance as rats transition into middle age.

Hypoglycemic effect of Astragalus polysaccharide and its effect on PTP1B1

To examine the effects of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), a component of an aqueous extract of Astragalus membranaceus roots, on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a negative regulator of insulin-receptor (IR) signal transduction, and its potential role in the amelioration of insulin resistance. Ten-week-old fat-fed streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats, an animal model of type II diabetes mellitus (TIIDM), were treated with APS (400 mg/kg p.o.) for 5 weeks. Insulin sensitivity was identified by the insulin-tolerance test. Further analyses on the possible changes in insulin signaling occurring in skeletal muscle and liver were performed by immunoprecipitation or Western blotting. PTP1B activity was measured by an assay kit. The diabetic rats responded to APS with a significant decrease in body weight, plasma glucose, and improved insulin sensitivity. The activity and expression of PTP1B were elevated in the skeletal muscle and liver of TIIDM rats. Thus the insulin signaling in target tissues was diminished. APS reduced both PTP1B protein level and activity in the muscle, but not in the liver of TIIDM rats. Insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the IR beta-subunit and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) were increased in the muscle, but not in the liver of APS-treated TIIDM rats. There was no change in the activity or expression of PTP1B in APS-treated normal rats, and blood insulin levels did not change in TIIDM rats after treatment with APS. APS enables insulin-sensitizing and hypoglycemic activity at least in part by decreasing the elevated expression and activity of PTP1B in the skeletal muscles of TIIDM rats.

Reduction of PTP1B induces differential expression of PI3-kinase (p85α) isoforms

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibition increases insulin sensitivity and normalizes blood glucose levels in animals. The molecular events associated with PTP1B inhibition that increase insulin sensitivity remain controversial. Insulin resistant, diabetic ob/ob mice, dosed with PTP1B antisense for 3 weeks exhibited a decrease in PTP1B protein levels and a change in the expression level of p85α isoforms in liver, characterized by a reduction in p85α and an upregulation of the p50α and p55α isoforms. Transfection of mouse hepatocytes with PTP1B antisense caused a downregulation PTP1B and p85α protein levels. Furthermore, transfection of mouse hepatocytes with PTP1B siRNA downregulated p85α protein expression and enhanced insulin-induced PKB phosphorylation. Treatment of mouse hepatocytes with p85α antisense oligonucleotide caused a reduction of p85α and an increase in p50α and p55α isoforms and enhanced insulin-stimulated PKB activation. These results demonstrate that PTP1B inhibition causes a direct differential regulation of p85α isoforms of PI3-kinase in liver and that reduction of p85α may be one mechanism by which PTP1B inhibition improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in insulin-resistant states.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B reduction regulates adiposity and expression of genes involved in lipogenesis.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been implicated as a negative regulator of insulin action. Overexpression of PTP1B protein has been observed in insulin-resistant states associated with obesity. Mice lacking a functional PTP1B gene exhibit increased insulin sensitivity and are resistant to weight gain. To investigate the role of PTP1B in adipose tissue from obese animals, hyperglycemic obese (ob/ob) mice were treated with PTP1B antisense oligonucleotide (ISIS-113715). A significant reduction in adiposity correlated with a decrease of PTP1B protein levels in fat. Antisense treatment also influenced the triglyceride content in adipocytes, correlating with a downregulation of genes encoding proteins involved in lipogenesis, such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and their downstream targets spot14 and fatty acid synthase, as well as other adipogenic genes, lipoprotein lipase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. In addition, an increase in insulin receptor substrate-2 protein and a differential regulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit (p85alpha) isoforms expression were found in fat from antisense-treated animals, although increased insulin sensitivity measured by protein kinase B phosphorylation was not observed. These results demonstrate that PTP1B antisense treatment can modulate fat storage and lipogenesis in adipose tissue and might implicate PTP1B in the enlargement of adipocyte energy stores and development of obesity.

NO alters cell shape and motility in aortic smooth muscle cells via protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B activation.

Cell motility is an important determinant of vascular disease. We examined mechanisms underlying the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on motility in cultured primary aortic smooth muscle cells from newborn rats. The NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) increased the activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP-1B). This effect was mimicked by a cGMP analog and blocked by the guanyl cyclase antagonist 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, indicating the involvement of cGMP. Treatment of cells with antisense, but not control oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), against PTP-1B attenuated the inhibitory effect of NO on cell motility. Cell shape and adhesion are important determinants of cell motility. We report that SNAP induced cell rounding and reduced adhesion and caused dissociation of actin stress fibers. Moreover, SNAP reduced phosphotyrosine levels in focal adhesion proteins, paxillin, and focal adhesion kinase. The PTP inhibitor phenylarsine oxide or decrease of PTP-1B protein levels via the use of antisense ODN prevented NO-induced cell-shape change, altered adhesion, and migration. These results indicate that NO regulates cell shape, adhesion, and migration by dephosphorylation of focal adhesion proteins via a mechanism that requires PTP-1B activity.