2-DOG Uptake Research Articles

GLUT4 in murine bone growth: from uptake and translocation to proliferation and differentiation

Skeletal growth, taking place in the cartilaginous growth plates of long bones, consumes high levels of glucose for both metabolic and anabolic purposes. We previously showed that Glut4 is present in growing bone and is decreased in diabetes. In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that in bone, GLUT4 gene expression and function are regulated via the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) and that Glut4 plays an important role in bone growth. Insulin and IGF-I actions on skeletal growth and glucose uptake were determined using mandibular condyle (MC) organ cultures and MC-derived primary cell cultures (MCDC). Chondrogenesis was determined by following proliferation and differentiation activities using immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and type II collagen expression, respectively. Overall condylar growth was assessed morphometrically. GLUT4 mRNA and protein levels were determined using in situ hybridization and IHC, respectively. Glut4 translocation to the cell membrane was assessed using confocal microscopy analysis of GFP-Glut4 fusion-transfected cells and immunogold and electron microscopy on MC sections; glucose uptake was assayed by 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake. Both IGF-I and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in MCDC, with IGF-I being tenfold more potent than insulin. Blockage of IGF-IR abrogated both IGF-I- and insulin-induced chondrogenesis and glucose metabolism. IGF-I, but not insulin, induced Glut4 translocation to the plasma membrane. Additionally, insulin induced both GLUT4 and IGF-IR gene expression and improved condylar growth in insulin receptor knockout mice-derived MC. Moreover, silencing of GLUT4 gene in MCDC culture abolished both IGF-I-induced glucose uptake and chondrocytic proliferation and differentiation. In growing bone, the IGF-IR pathway stimulates Glut4 translocation and enhances glucose uptake. Moreover, intact Glut4 cellular levels and translocation machinery are essential for early skeletal growth.

Inhibition of O-GlcNAcase Using a Potent and Cell-Permeable Inhibitor Does Not Induce Insulin Resistance in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

SummaryTo probe increased O-GlcNAc levels as an independent mechanism governing insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, a new class of O-GlcNAcase (OGA) inhibitor was studied. 6-Acetamido-6-deoxy-castanospermine (6-Ac-Cas) is a potent inhibitor of OGA. The structure of 6-Ac-Cas bound in the active site of an OGA homolog reveals structural features contributing to its potency. Treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with 6-Ac-Cas increases O-GlcNAc levels in a dose-dependent manner. These increases in O-GlcNAc levels do not induce insulin resistance functionally, measured using a 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake assay, or at the molecular level, determined by evaluating levels of phosphorylated IRS-1 and Akt. These results, and others described, provide a structural blueprint for improved inhibitors and collectively suggest that increased O-GlcNAc levels, brought about by inhibition of OGA, does not by itself cause insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Insulin resistance due to lipid-induced signaling defects could be prevented by mahanine

It is well known that free fatty acids (FFAs) play a key role in implementing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Resources of chemical compounds that intervene the derogatory effect of FFAs are indeed very limited. We have isolated mahanine, a carbazole alkaloid, from the leaves of Murraya koenegii that prevented palmitate-induced inhibition of insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of IRbeta, PI3K, PDK1, and Akt in L6 myotubes. This was also reflected in the palmitate-induced inhibition of insulin-stimulated [(3)H] 2-DOG uptake by L6 myotubes, where palmitate adverse effect was significantly blocked by mahanine. Previous reports indicated that one of the major targets of lipid-induced damage in insulin signaling pathway resulting impairment of insulin sensitivity is insulin receptor (IR). Here, we have observed that palmitate significantly increased pPKCepsilon in both cytosol and nuclear region of L6 myotubes in comparison to control. Translocation of pPKCepsilon to the nucleus was associated with the impairment of HMGA1, the architectural transcription factor of IR gene and all these were reversed by mahanine. Palmitate-induced activation of IKK/IkappaBeta/NF-kappaBeta pathway was also attenuated by mahanine. Taken together, mahanine showed encouraging possibility to deal with lipid induced insulin resistance. In order to examine it further, mahanine was administered on nutritionally induced type 2 diabetic golden hamsters; it significantly improved hyperglycemia in all the treated animals. Our results, therefore, suggest that mahanine acts on two important sites of lipid induced insulin resistance (i) impairment of IR gene expression and (ii) activation of NF-kappaBeta pathway, thus, showing promise for its therapeutic choice for type 2 diabetes.

Knockdown of JNK rescues 3T3-L1 adipocytes from insulin resistance induced by mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to etiology of insulin resistance, however the mechanism remains unknown. In this study we investigated whether mitochondrial dysfunction induced by cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-hydrazone (FCCP) alters insulin sensitivity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and which cellular signaling molecules might be involved. Fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with 10 μM FCCP for 1 h, resulting in increased serine-307 phosphorylation of IRS-1 and decreased insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation, association of p85α subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) with IRS-1, decreased insulin-stimulated PI 3-kinase activity and H 3-2-deoxyglucose (2DOG) uptake. A partial (46%) knockdown of JNK1 blocked FCCP-induced serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and restored insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1, association of p85α subunit of PI 3-kinase with IRS-1, activation of PI 3-kinase, and stimulation of 2DOG uptake. Thus, FCCP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction may cause insulin resistance that is ameliorated by reduction of JNK1 expression.

Elevation of Global O-GlcNAc Levels in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes by Selective Inhibition of O-GlcNAcase Does Not Induce Insulin Resistance

The O-GlcNAc post-translational modification is considered to act as a sensor of nutrient flux through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway. A cornerstone of this hypothesis is that global elevation of protein O-GlcNAc levels, typically induced with the non-selective O-GlcNAcase inhibitor PUGNAc (O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glycopyranosylidene) amino-N-phenylcarbamate), causes insulin resistance in adipocytes. Here we address the potential link between elevated O-GlcNAc and insulin resistance by using a potent and selective inhibitor of O-GlcNAcase (NButGT (1,2-dideoxy-2'-propyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoso-[2,1-D]-Delta 2'-thiazoline), 1200-fold selectivity). A comparison of the structures of a bacterial homologue of O-GlcNAcase in complex with PUGNAc or NButGT reveals that these inhibitors bind to the same region of the active site, underscoring the competitive nature of their inhibition of O-GlcNAcase and the molecular basis of selectivity. Treating 3T3-L1 adipocytes with NButGT induces rapid increases in global O-GlcNAc levels, but strikingly, NButGT treatment does not replicate the insulin desensitizing effects of the non-selective O-GlcNAcase inhibitor PUGNAc. Consistent with these observations, NButGT also does not recapitulate the impaired insulin-mediated phosphorylation of Akt that is induced by treatment with PUGNAc. Collectively, these results suggest that increases in global levels of O-GlcNAc-modified proteins of cultured adipocytes do not, on their own, cause insulin resistance.

Abstract 308: Rgs2 Is An Endogenous Inhibitor Of Insulin Signaling

Background: Insulin resistance is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes and is a known risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. We have determined that overexpression of a GTPase-activating protein, RGS2 decreases insulin sensitivity. This study describes RGS2 regulation of insulin signaling pathways in order to assess whether this information can be used to reverse insulin insensitivity in diabetes. Hypothesis, Methods and Results: RGS2 protein levels were elevated 3 to 5-fold in white adipose tissues from ob/ob and high fat diet induced Insulin Resistant mice. Further, RGS2 protein is elevated in insulin resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated chronically with either insulin, ET-1, or TNF-aplha. Further, SiRNA knockdown of endogenous RGS2 protein increases basal, insulin independent and insulin-dependent GLUT4 translocation. We hypothesized that the RGS2 regulatory system is defective/overactive in insulin resistance, and that a modulation of this regulatory system by RGS2 inhibition would improve insulin sensitivity. Thus, we determined the mechanisms whereby RGS2 modulates insulin sensitivity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes; focusing on insulin-regulated G-protein/PI3-K pathways leading to GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake; utilizing adenoviruses over-expressing wild-type and mutants RGS2, as well as by siRNA-mediated knock down of endogenous RGS2. We overexpressed the Wild-Type (WT), GTPase defective (GD), and plasma membrane translocation defective (TD) RGS2 proteins in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Overexpression of WT RGS2 leads to ~ 50% inhibition of insulin induced 2-DOG uptake, without affecting IR Tyr phosphorylation. RGS2 constitutively associates with Galpha/q11, and prevent its Tyr phosphorylation and activation by insulin. Interestingly, insulin-stimulated PKClambda phosphorylation was completely blocked by RGS2, whereas, AKT phosphorylation was minimally inhibited. Neither the insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation nor insulin-stimulated MAPK phosphorylation was affected by RGS2. Conclusion: This study identifies a novel role of RGS2 in cellular insulin resistance by negatively regulating signaling through the Galpha/q11 pathway to glucose uptake. This research has received full or partial funding support from the American Heart Association, AHA Western States Affiliate (California, Nevada & Utah).

Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on insulin sensitivity in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima-fatty rats

In order to clarify the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on improvement of insulin resistance, we examined the effects of overexpression of wild-type protein kinase C-zeta (wt-PKCzeta)/3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (wt-PDK1) and kinase-inactive PKCzeta/PDK1 (DeltaPKCzeta/DeltaPDK1) on DHEA-induced [(3)H]2-deoxyglucose (DOG) uptake using the electroporation method in rat adipocytes. Overexpression of wt-PKCzeta and wt-PDK1 significantly increased in DHEA-induced [(3)H]2-DOG uptake. Wortmannin completely suppressed DHEA-induced [(3)H]2-DOG uptake in wt-PKCzeta- and wt-PDK1-transfected adipocytes. Overexpression of neither DeltaPKCzeta nor DeltaPDK1 increased DHEA-induced [(3)H]2-DOG uptake. Otsuka Long-Evans fatty rats (OLETF), animal models of type 2 diabetes, and Long-Evans Tokushima rats (LETO) as control, were treated with 0.4% DHEA for 2 weeks. Insulin-induced [(3)H]2-DOG uptakes, activations of PI 3-kinase and PKCzeta of adipocytes were significantly increased in DHEA-treated OLETF rats. Moreover, plasma glucose levels in OLETF rats after treatment with DHEA for 2 weeks were significantly lower than treatment without DHEA, but not in LETO rats. These results indicate that DHEA treatment may improve glucose tolerance through a PI 3-kinase-PKCzeta pathway and downregulates adiposity in OLETF rats.

Disruption of the Insulin-like Growth Factor Type 1 Receptor in Osteoblasts Enhances Insulin Signaling and Action

Defective bone formation is common in patients with diabetes, suggesting that insulin normally exerts anabolic actions in bone. However, because insulin can cross-activate the insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF-1R), which also functions in bone, it has been difficult to establish the direct (IGF-1-independent) actions of insulin in osteoblasts. To overcome this problem, we examined insulin signaling and action in primary osteoblasts engineered for conditional disruption of the IGF-1 receptor (DeltaIGF-1R). Calvarial osteoblasts from mice carrying floxed IGF-1R alleles were infected with adenoviral vectors expressing the Cre recombinase (Ad-Cre) or green fluorescent protein (Ad-GFP) as control. Disruption of IGF-1R mRNA (>90%) eliminated IGF-1R without affecting insulin receptor (IR) mRNA and protein expression and eliminated IGF-1R/IR hybrids. In DeltaIGF-1R osteoblasts, insulin signaling was markedly increased as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1/2 and enhanced ERK/Akt activation. Microarray analysis of RNA samples from insulin-treated, DeltaIGF-1R osteoblasts revealed striking changes in several genes known to be downstream of ERK including Glut-1 and c-fos. Treatment of osteoblasts with insulin induced Glut-1 mRNA, increased 2-[1,2-(3)H]-deoxy-d-glucose uptake, and enhanced proliferation. Moreover, insulin treatment rescued the defective differentiation and mineralization of DeltaIGF-1R osteoblasts, suggesting that IR signaling can compensate, at least in part, for loss of IGF-1R signaling. We conclude that insulin exerts direct anabolic actions in osteoblasts by activation of its cognate receptor and that the strength of insulin-generated signals is tempered through interactions with the IGF-1R.

REDUCED EXPRESSION OF P85α RESCUES 3T3-L1 ADIPOCYTES FROM THE INSULIN RESISTANCE INDUCED VIA SERINE PHOSPHORYLATION OF INSULIN RECEPTOR SUBSTRATE - 1 (IRS-1).

Serine (ser) phosphorylation of IRS-1 may be involved in a feedback inhibition of insulin signaling and, under certain circumstances, in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR). On the other hand, variations in expression of p85α subunit of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase could also modulate the strength of insulin signaling by altering the competition between the p85α monomer and the p85α-p110 heterodimer for the IRS-1 binding sites. In this study we examined the relationship between ser-phosphorylation of IRS-1 and expression of p85α in the development of IR in cultured 3T3 L1 adipocytes. IR was induced by the transfection of the constitutively active myristilated Akt (myr-Akt). Myr-Akt caused activation and phosphorylation of mTOR and p70S6 kinase. The latter promoted ser-phosphorylation of IRS-1 with a subsequent decline in its association with p85α and p110 as well as a decline in PI 3-kinase activity and insulin-stimulated 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake-hence IR. A concomitant transfection of p85α siRNA reduced p85α expression by 70% and rescued insulin-stimulated 2DOG uptake from the inhibition induced by myr-Akt by diminishing the competition between p85α monomer and p85α-p110 heterodimer. In conclusion, IR induced by the Akt-mTOR-p70S6 kinase via ser-phosphorylation of IRS-1 can be ameliorated by a reduction in expression of p85α. Thus, interactions between ser-phosphorylation of IRS-1 and expression of p85α are important in the development of and the defense against IR.

3,5,3′ Triiodo-L-thyronine Stimulates 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose Transport into L6 Muscle Cells Through the Phosphorylation of Insulin Receptorβand the Activation of PI-3k

3,5,3' Triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) stimulated the uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DOG) into L6 cells, nongenomically, starting at subpicomolar concentrations and reaching a peak at concentrations of 1-10 nM. Stimulation at the peak was usually approximately 250%. The uptake of 2-DOG declined with higher concentrations of T(3). The dose-response curve of insulin is similar in shape to that of T(3), and its peak stimulation can even reach 600% over the control. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of the PI-3k, completely inhibited the stimulation of 2-DOG uptake by T(3), with no effect on the control cells. L6 cells exposed for 10 minutes to T3 resulted in a 200%-300% stimulation of PI-3k, as measured by the production of labeled (32)P-PI-3P. Similar results were obtained with insulin. After incubation for 5 minutes with L6 cells, T(3) increased phosphorylation of the insulin receptor beta subunit; this correlated significantly with the degree of stimulation of 2-DOG uptake at 90 minutes (r = 0.89, p <or= 0.01). These findings suggest that T(3) stimulates the uptake of 2-DOG into L6 muscle cells, in a manner similar to that of insulin.

Inhibition of sodium glucose cotransporter-1 expressed inXenopus laevisoocytes by 4-acetoxyscirpendiol from Cordyceps takaomantana (anamorph = Paecilomyces tenuipes)

Cordyceps contains many health-promoting constituents. Recent studies revealed that the fruiting body of cordyceps significantly alleviates hyperglycemia which usually accompanies diabetes mellitus. The mechanism of the anti-hyperglycemic effect by cordyceps, however, is not fully understood. In this study, methanolic extracts were prepared from fruiting bodies of Paecilomyces tenuipes, and 4-beta acetoxyscirpendiol (ASD) was eventually purified from the extracts. The Na+/ glucose transporter-1 (SGLT-1) was expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and the effect of ASD on it was analyzed using voltage clamp and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DOG) uptake studies. Fluorescence microscopy was performed to monitor the effect of ASD on glucose uptake using HEK293 cells expressing recombinant SGLT-1. ASD inhibited SGLT-1 activity, and its two derivatives (2-acetoxyscirpenol and 15-acetoxyscirpendiol), were also effective; 15-acetoxyscirepenol was as inhibitory as ASD while diacetoxyscirpenol had less effect. Thus, the ASD in P. tenuipes may play an important role in lowering blood sugar in the circulatory system along with its derivatives as specific inhibitors of SGLT-1.

Direct Comparison of the Acute In Vivo Effects of HIV Protease Inhibitors on Peripheral Glucose Disposal

The clinical use of HIV protease inhibitors (PIs) is associated with the development of peripheral insulin resistance. The incidence and degree of impaired glucose tolerance observed in treated patients vary considerably between drugs, however. To compare the ability of HIV PIs to alter peripheral glucose disposal acutely in a genetically identical model system at therapeutically relevant drug levels, healthy lean male rats previously naive to PI exposure were given ritonavir, amprenavir, lopinavir/ritonavir (4:1), or atazanavir by continuous intravenous infusion to achieve steady state drug levels of 10 or 25 muM rapidly. Under euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp conditions, a dose-dependent reduction in the peripheral glucose disposal rate (Rd) was observed with all the PIs except atazanavir. The rank order of sensitivity was ritonavir, lopinavir, and then amprenavir. Changes in skeletal muscle and heart 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake correlated with reductions in Rd. All 3 of these PIs also produced significant reductions in 2-DOG uptake into primary rat adipocytes in vitro. Atazanavir had no effect on glucose uptake in vitro or in vivo. The in vivo potency of PIs to impair peripheral glucose disposal acutely correlates with the degree of insulin resistance observed in HIV-infected patients receiving these drugs. Preclinical testing of novel candidate PIs in a rodent model system may be useful in identifying the future risk of altering glucose homeostasis.

Atorvastatin induces insulin sensitization in Zucker lean and fatty rats

Background The 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (‘statins’) have been implicated in preventing new onset type 2 diabetes, whereas the mechanism of this effect is not known. We investigated the effects of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, atorvastatin, on insulin sensitization in Zucker lean and fatty rats. Methods and results In vivo studies of insulin sensitization were performed in chow fed Zucker lean and fatty rats treated with atorvastatin 50 mg/kg/day (ATORVA_50) and results were compared to Zucker lean and fatty rats treated with drug vehicle only (CONT). Additional Zucker lean rats were treated with an intermediate dose of atorvastatin 25 mg/kg/day (ATORVA_25). Treatment with atorvastatin resulted in a dose-dependent improvement in whole body insulin sensitivity in both lean and fatty rats, with an approximately two-fold increase in glucose infusion rate and glucose disposal (Rd) in ATORVA_50 versus CONT ( p < 0.01). Atorvastatin 50 mg/kg/day resulted in an increase in 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake by skeletal muscles (approximately two-fold increase in 2-DOG uptake in quadriceps ( p = 0.06) and gastrocnemius ( p < 0.01)) in lean Zucker rats. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt/PKB was significantly increased in skeletal muscle of ATORVA_50 versus CONT in both lean and fatty rats. Conclusion Atorvastatin induces insulin sensitization in Zucker lean and fatty rats. This may be a clinically important pleiotropic effect if confirmed in insulin resistant humans.

4-Acetoxyscirpendiol of Paecilomyces tenuipes Inhibits Na+/D-Glucose Cotransporter Expressed in Xenopus laevis Oocytes

Cordyceps, an entomopathogenic fungus, contains many health-promoting ingredients. Recent reports indicate that the consumption of cordyceps helps reduce blood-sugar content in diabetics. However, the mechanism underlying this reduction in circulatory sugar content is not fully understood. Methanolic extracts were prepared from the fruiting bodies of Paecilomyces tenuipes, and 4-beta acetoxyscirpendiol (4-ASD) was eventually isolated and purified. Na(+)/Glucose transporter-1 (SGLT-1) was expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and the effect of 4-ASD on SGLT-1 was analyzed utilizing a voltage clamp and by performing 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DOG) uptake studies. 4-ASD was shown to significantly inhibit SGLT-1 activity compared to the non-treated control in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of the derivatives of 4-ASD (diacetoxyscirpenol or 15-acetoxyscirpendiol), SGLT-1 activity was greatly inhibited in an 4-ASD-like manner. Of these derivatives, 15-acetoxyscirepenol inhibited SGLT-1 as well as 4-ASD, whereas diacetoxyscirpenol was slightly less effective. Taken together, these results strongly indicate that 4-ASD in P. tenuipes may lower blood sugar levels in the circulatory system. We conclude that 4-ASD and its derivatives are effective SGLT-1 inhibitors.

Functional role of Rab11 in GLUT4 trafficking in cardiomyocytes

We have recently shown the co-localization of Rab11 and the glucose transporter GLUT4 in cardiac muscle and an insulin-stimulated increase of Rab11 in GLUT4-containing vesicles in this tissue. We now assessed the effect of Rab11 wt and a dominant-negative mutant (N124I) on GLUT4 trafficking in the cardiomyoblast cell line H9c2 stably overexpressing the insulin receptor (H9c2-E2) and in human primary skeletal myotubes. These cells were used for transient cotransfection or adenoviral co-infection with GLUT4myc and Rab11 wt or N124I with subsequent determination of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake and GLUT4myc translocation. Concomitant overexpression of GLUT4myc and Rab11 wt in cardiomyocytes decreased the amount of GLUT4myc at the cell surface by about 50%, an effect not observed for Rab11 N124I. However, the dominant-negative mutant reduced the efficiency of insulin to promote glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in both cardiac and skeletal muscle cells to about one half. The level of Akt phosphorylation does not vary after cotransfection indicating that insulin signalling remained unaffected under these conditions. In conclusion, our data show that Rab11 (i) mediates endocytosis of GLUT4 and (ii) plays a pivotal role in insulin-regulated translocation of this transporter to the plasma membrane.

Inhibition of endogenous SHIP2 ameliorates insulin resistance caused by chronic insulin treatment in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

SHIP2 is a physiologically important negative regulator of insulin signalling hydrolysing the PI3-kinase product, PI(3,4,5)P3, which also has an impact on insulin resistance. In the present study, we examined the effect of inhibiting the endogenous SHIP2 function on the insulin resistance caused by chronic insulin treatment. The endogenous function of SHIP2 was inhibited by expressing a catalytically inactive SHIP2 (DeltaIP-SHIP), and compared with the effect of treatments designed to restore the levels of IRS-1 in insulin signalling systems of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Chronic insulin treatment induced the large (86%) down-regulation of IRS-1 and the modest (36%) up-regulation of SHIP2. Subsequent stimulation by insulin of Akt phosphorylation, PKClambda activity, and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake was markedly decreased by the chronic insulin treatment. Coincubation with the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, effectively inhibited the proteosomal degradation of IRS-1 caused by the chronic insulin treatment. Although the coincubation with rapamycin and advanced overexpression of IRS-1 effectively ameliorated subsequent insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt, insulin stimulation of PKClambda activity and 2-DOG uptake was partly restored by these treatments. Similarly, expression of DeltaIP-SHIP2 effectively ameliorated the insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt without affecting the amount of IRS-1. Furthermore, the decreased insulin-induced PKClambda activity and 2-DOG uptake following chronic insulin treatment were ameliorated by the expression of DeltaIP-SHIP2 more effectively than by the treatment with rapamycin. Our results indicate that the inhibition of endogenous SHIP2 is effective in improving the state of insulin resistance caused by chronic insulin treatment.

Rottlerin inhibits multiple steps involved in insulin-induced glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Recently, it was shown that rottlerin inhibits insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and reduces intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, suggesting that these two events are causally linked. However, several other reports show that ATP-depletion induces glucose uptake in both muscle cells and adipocytes. In the present study, the mechanism of inhibition by rottlerin was studied in detail, in order to resolve this apparent discrepancy. It was found that rottlerin strongly reduces insulin-stimulated 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by a partial inhibition of the translocation of the insulin-responsive GLUT4 glucose transporter towards the plasma membrane (PM). Whereas the insulin-induced phosphatidyl-inositol-3′ (PI-3′) kinase signaling pathway is unaffected by rottlerin, Cbl tyrosine phosphorylation, which provides an essential, PI-3′ kinase-independent signal towards GLUT4 translocation, is markedly attenuated. Furthermore, we also observed a direct inhibitory effect of rottlerin on insulin-induced glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The direct inhibition of insulin-stimulated 2-DOG uptake by rottlerin displayed characteristics of uncompetitive inhibition: with the K m(app) of glucose uptake reduced from 1.6 to 0.9 mM and the V max(app) reduced from 5.2 to 1.0 nmol/min mg in the presence of rottlerin. In conclusion, rottlerin inhibits multiple steps involved in insulin-stimulated 2-DOG uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The observed reduction in GLUT4 translocation towards the PM and the uncompetitive inhibition of the glucose transport process provide alternative explanations for the inhibitory effects of rottlerin aside from the effects of rottlerin on intracellular levels of ATP.

Cdc42 Is a Rho GTPase Family Member That Can Mediate Insulin Signaling to Glucose Transport in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

We investigated the role of cdc42, a Rho GTPase family member, in insulin-induced glucose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Microinjection of anti-cdc42 antibody or cdc42 siRNA led to decreased insulin-induced and constitutively active G(q) (CA-G(q); Q209L)-induced GLUT4 translocation. Adenovirus-mediated expression of constitutively active cdc42 (CA-cdc42; V12) stimulated 2-deoxyglucose uptake to 56% of the maximal insulin response, and this was blocked by treatment with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) inhibitor, wortmannin, or LY294002. Both insulin and CA-G(q) expression caused an increase in cdc42 activity, showing that cdc42 is activated by insulin and is downstream of G alpha(q/11) in this activation pathway. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that insulin enhanced a direct association of cdc42 and p85, and both insulin treatment and CA-cdc42 expression stimulated PI3-kinase activity in immunoprecipitates with anti-cdc42 antibody. Furthermore, the effects of insulin, CA-G(q), and CA-cdc42 on GLUT4 translocation or 2-deoxyglucose uptake were inhibited by microinjection of anti-protein kinase C lambda (PKC lambda) antibody or overexpression of a kinase-deficient PKC lambda construct. In summary, activated cdc42 can mediate 1) insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation and 2) glucose transport in a PI3-kinase-dependent manner. 3) Insulin treatment and constitutively active G(q) expression can enhance the cdc42 activity state as well as the association of cdc42 with activated PI3-kinase. 4) PKC lambda inhibition blocks CA-cdc42, CA-G(q), and insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation. Taken together, these data indicate that cdc42 can mediate insulin signaling to GLUT4 translocation and lies downstream of G alpha(q/11) and upstream of PI3-kinase and PKC lambda in this stimulatory pathway.

Inhibitory effect of ceramide on insulin-induced protein kinase Cζ translocation in rat adipocytes

Ceramide has been confirmed to be a signal mediator of apoptosis that is induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). It has also been reported that ceramide may induce insulin resistance as well as TNF-α. We investigated the effect of ceramide on insulin signaling pathways, such as insulin receptor (IR) β-subunit, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase Cζ (PKCζ) in rat adipocytes. We examined insulin-stimulated [3H]2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake in rat adipocytes pretreated with N-hexanoylsphingosine (C6-ceramide, 10 to 30 μmol/L). Insulin-induced 2-DOG uptake was significantly reduced by C6-ceramide pretreatment. We also examined the effect of various concentrations of C6-ceramide pretreatment on insulin-induced autophosphorylation of the IR β-subunit, tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1, enzyme activity of PI3K, and membrane-associated PKCζ immunoreactivity. Pretreatment with C6-ceramide significantly reduced autophosphorylation of the IR β-subunit, tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1, and enzyme activity of PI3K. Moreover, membrane-associated PKCζ immunoreactivity and immunoprecipitable PKCζ enzyme activity, downstream of PI3K, were significantly suppressed by C6-ceramide pretreatment. These results suggest that ceramide may induce insulin resistance via the suppression of IRS-1-PI3K signaling, and subsequent activation of PKCζ. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

Effects of sterculic acid on stearoyl-CoA desaturase in differentiating 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The effects of sterculic acid on cell size, adiposity, and fatty acid composition of differentiating 3T3-L1 adipocytes are correlated with stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) expression (mRNA and protein levels) and enzyme activity. Fluorescence-activated cell scanning (FACS) analysis showed that adipocytes differentiated with methylisobutylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin (MDI) plus 100 μM sterculic acid comprised a population of predominantly large cells with reduced adiposity compared to MDI-treated cells. Although both groups had similar amounts of total fat, their fatty acid profiles were strikingly different: MDI-treated cells had high levels of the unsaturated palmitoleic (Δ 9-16:1) and oleic (Δ 9-18:1) acids, whereas the cells cultured with MDI plus sterculic acid accumulated palmitic (16:0) and stearic (18:0) acids together with a marked reduction in Δ 9-16:1. Although the cells treated with MDI plus sterculic acid had similar levels of scd1 and scd2 mRNAs and antibody-detectable SCD protein as the MDI-treated cells, the SCD enzyme activity was inhibited more than 90%. The accumulation of 16:0 and 18:0, together with normal levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and aP2 mRNAs, shows that de novo synthesis and elongation of fatty acids, as well as cell differentiation, were not affected by sterculic acid. Because of the increase in cell size in the sterculic acid-treated cells, the insulin-stimulated 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake was determined. Compared to MDI-treated cells, the 2-DOG uptake in the cells treated with sterculic acid was not affected. These results indicate that sterculic acid directly inhibits SCD activity, possibly by a turnover-dependent reaction, without affecting the processes required for adipocyte differentiation, scd gene expression or SCD protein translation.