Regulation of insulin receptor function

Resistance to the biological actions of insulin contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes and risk of cardiovascular disease. A reduced biological response to insulin by tissues results from an impairment in the cascade of phosphorylation events within cells that regulate the activity of enzymes comprising the insulin signaling pathway. In most models of insulin resistance, there is evidence that this decrement in insulin signaling begins with either the activation or substrate kinase activity of the insulin receptor (IR), which is the only component of the pathway that is unique to insulin action. Activation of the IR can be impaired by post-translational modifications of the protein involving serine phosphorylation, or by binding to inhibiting proteins such as PC-1 or members of the SOCS or Grb protein families. The impact of these processes on the conformational changes and phosphorylation events required for full signaling activity, as well as the role of these mechanisms in human disease, is reviewed in this article. Received 3 August 2006; received after revision 1 December 2006; accepted 8 January 2007     

Signalling via caveolin: involvement in the cross-talk between phosphoinositolglycans and insulin

In recent years, a number of cross-talk systems have been identified which feed into the insulin signalling cascade at the level of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) tyrosine phosphorylation, e.g., receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases and G-protein-coupled receptors. At the molecular level, a number of negative modulator and feedback systems somehow interacting with the beta-subunit (catecholamine-, phorbolester-, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced serine/threonine phosphorylation, carboxy-terminal trimming by a thiol-dependent protease, association of inhibitory/regulatory proteins such as RAD, PC1, PED, alpha2-HS-glycoprotein) have been identified as candidate mechanisms for the impairment of insulin receptor function by elevations in the activity and/or amount of the corresponding modification enzymes/inhibitors. Both decreased responsiveness and sensitivity of the insulin receptor beta-subunit for insulin-induced tyrosine autophosphorylation have been demonstrated in several cellular and animal models of metabolic insulin resistance as well as in the adipose tissue and skeletal muscle of diabetic patients and obese Pima Indians compared to non-obese subjects. Therefore, induction of the insulin signalling cascade by bypassing the defective insulin receptor kinase may be useful for the therapy of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. During the past two decades, phosphoinositolglycans (PIGs) of various origin have been demonstrated to exert potent insulin-mimetic metabolic effects upon incubation with cultured or isolated muscle and adipose cells. However, it remained to be elucidated whether these compounds actually manage to trigger insulin signalling and if so at which level of hierarchy within the signalling cascade the site of interference is located. Recent studies using isolated rat adipocytes and chemically synthesized PIG compounds point to IRS1/3 tyrosine phosphorylation by p59Lyn kinase as the site of cross-talk, the negative regulation of which by interaction with caveolin is apparently abrogated by PIG. This putative mechanism is thus compatible with the recently formulated caveolin signalling hypothesis, the supporting data for which are reviewed here. Though we have not obtained experimental evidence for the involvement of PIG in physiological insulin action, the potential cross-talk between insulin and PIG signalling, including the caveolae/detergent-insoluble glycolipid-enriched rafts as the compartments where the corresponding signalling components are concentrated, thus represent novel targets for signal transduction therapy.     

Vaspin inhibits kallikrein 7 by serpin mechanism

The molecular target of the adipokine vaspin (visceral adipose tissue-derived serpin; serpinA12) and its mode of action are unknown. Here, we provide the vaspin crystal structure and identify human kallikrein 7 (hK7) as a first protease target of vaspin inhibited by classical serpin mechanism with high specificity in vitro. We detect vaspin–hK7 complexes in human plasma and find co-expression of both proteins in murine pancreatic β-cells. We further demonstrate that hK7 cleaves human insulin in the A- and B-chain. Vaspin treatment of isolated pancreatic islets leads to increased insulin concentration in the media upon glucose stimulation without influencing insulin secretion. By application of vaspin and generated inactive mutants, we find the significantly improved glucose tolerance in C57BL/6NTac and db/db mice treated with recombinant vaspin fully dependent on the vaspin serpin activity and not related to vaspin-mediated changes in insulin sensitivity as determined by euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp studies. Improved glucose metabolism could be mediated by increased insulin plasma concentrations 150 min after a glucose challenge in db/db mice, supporting the hypothesis that vaspin may inhibit insulin degradation by hK7 in the circulation. In conclusion, we demonstrate the inhibitory serpin nature and the first protease target of the adipose tissue-derived serpin vaspin, and our findings suggest hK7 inhibition by vaspin as an underlying physiological mechanism for its compensatory actions on obesity-induced insulin resistance.     

Ethanol inhibits insulin expression and actions in the developing brain

Ethanol-induced cerebellar hypoplasia is associated with inhibition of insulin-stimulated survival signaling. The present work explores the mechanisms of impaired insulin signaling in a rat model of fetal alcohol syndrome. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated reduced expression of the insulin gene in cerebella of ethanol-exposed pups. Although receptor expression was unaffected, insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activities were reduced by ethanol exposure, and these abnormalities were associated with increased PTP1b activity. In addition, glucose transporter molecule expression and steady-state levels of ATP were reduced in ethanol-exposed cerebellar tissue. Cultured cerebellar granule neurons from ethanol-exposed pups had reduced expression of genes encoding insulin, IGF-II, and the IGF-I and IGF-II receptors, and impaired insulin- and IGF-I-stimulated glucose uptake and ATP production. The results demonstrate that ethanol inhibits insulin-mediated actions in the developing brain by reducing local insulin production and insulin RTK activation, leading to inhibition of glucose transport and ATP production.Received 30 December 2004; received after revision 1 March 2005; accepted 10 March 2005     

Hyperinsulinemia,hyperproinsulinemia and insulin resistance in the metabolic syndrome

For better comprehension of the metabolic syndrome, it is necessary to differentiate the effect of insulin on glucose metabolism on the one hand, and on other metabolic activities on the other hand. Whereas glucose utilization is affected by insulin resistance, the effect of insulin on lipid metabolism, ion and aminoacid transport does not seem to be diminished. Lipid metabolism, however, seems to play a crucial role in the induction of the vicious cycle. Increased energy and fat ingestion may be due to an increased number of galanin secreting cells in the hypothalamus. The excessive fat intake results in an increased rate of release of insulin and increased influx of triglycerides into the blood. From these triglycerides an excess of free fatty acids is released by the action of lipoprotein lipase. The increased plasma free fatty acid level then results in insulin resistance affecting glucose metabolism. Also, these free fatty acids may impair the secretion of insulin. Induction of insulin resistance results in higher glucose levels, which may cause hyperinsulinemia. Hyperinsulinemia maintains the elevation of triglycerides. When diabetes becomes overt and elevated glucose levels prevail, the hyperinsulinism acts on the metabolic pathways which are still sensitive to insulin, namely lipid metabolism, aminoacid transport and ion transport.     

Glucose formation from methylglyoxal in hepatocytes from streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice: the effect of insulin

Acetol and methylglyoxal are intermediates of the intrahepatic metabolism of acetone leading to pyruvate formation. In hepatocytes prepared from fasted streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, net glucose production could be measured from methylglyoxal but not from acetone or acetol. Insulin increased glucose formation from methylglyoxal in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas it was ineffective when pyruvate was used as substrate. Drug oxidation, as evidenced byp-aminophenol formation from aniline, was enhanced by methylglyoxal, and insulin proved to be stimulatory in this case as well. It is concluded that insulin might be involved in the regulation of glucose formation from methylglyoxal, but its mode of action is not yet clear.     

Subcellular trafficking of the substrate transporters GLUT4 and CD36 in cardiomyocytes

Cardiomyocytes use glucose as well as fatty acids for ATP production. These substrates are transported into the cell by glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and the fatty acid transporter CD36. Besides being located at the sarcolemma, GLUT4 and CD36 are stored in intracellular compartments. Raised plasma insulin concentrations and increased cardiac work will stimulate GLUT4 as well as CD36 to translocate to the sarcolemma. As so far studied, signaling pathways that regulate GLUT4 translocation similarly affect CD36 translocation. During the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, CD36 becomes permanently localized at the sarcolemma, whereas GLUT4 internalizes. This juxtaposed positioning of GLUT4 and CD36 is important for aberrant substrate uptake in the diabetic heart: chronically increased fatty acid uptake at the expense of glucose. To explain the differences in subcellular localization of GLUT4 and CD36 in type 2 diabetes, recent research has focused on the role of proteins involved in trafficking of cargo between subcellular compartments. Several of these proteins appear to be similarly involved in both GLUT4 and CD36 translocation. Others, however, have different roles in either GLUT4 or CD36 translocation. These trafficking components, which are differently involved in GLUT4 or CD36 translocation, may be considered novel targets for the development of therapies to restore the imbalanced substrate utilization that occurs in obesity, insulin resistance and diabetic cardiomyopathy.     

Some thoughts on the importance of insulin in the regulation of the blood glucose level

Insulin can influence rates of glucose utilization by muscle and possibly other tissues via both direct and indirect effects. It can control the rate of fatty acid mobilization from adipose tissue and the rate of fatty acid oxidation in muscle, and the latter inhibits glucose utilization and oxidation. Insulin may influence the levels of insulin-like growth factors I and II, both of which have effects on rates of glucose utilization by muscle. The intertissue cycle between glucose and lactate — the Cori cycle, which is influenced by insulin — may provide another novel mechanism for control of blood glucose. How far other anti-insulin hormones affect these processes is not clear.     

The role of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factors in the immune system

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) can modulate the development and function of the immune system. In this chapter, we present data on the expression of receptors for GH and IGFs and the in vitro and in vivo effects of these proteins. We show that expression of GH and IGFs in the immune system opens up the possibility that these proteins are not only involved in endocrine control of the immune system but can also play a role as local growth and differentiation factors (cytokines). Endocrine control of GH could be direct or mediated via endocrine or autocrine/paracrine IGF-I. In addition, GH can act as an autocrine or paracrine factor itself. Furthermore, IGF-I in the immune system has been shown to be regulated by cytokines, such as interleukin-1 and interferon-γ, alluding to a cytokine-like function of IGF-I. In addition to data on the function of GH and IGF-I in the immune system, we present new findings which imply a possible function of IGF-II and IGF-binding proteins.     

Glucose does not influence the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding to carrier proteins (IGFBPs): Analysis of rat and human serum by western ligand blotting

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) circulate bound to specific proteins (termed IGFBP-1 through IGFBP-6) that modulate IGF bioactivity in tissues. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of glucose on IGF binding to IGFBPs in rat and human serum by means of western ligand blotting. Serum samples were incubated with increasing concentrations of glucose (0 to 50 mmol/l), and EDTA (25 mmol/l) was added to inhibit protease activity. To analyse the effect of glucose on protection of IGFBPs from protease activity, serum from pregnant women (reported to be very rich in proteolytic activity against IGFBPs) was added to rat serum previously incubated with glucose. Glucose did not affect the¹²⁵I-IGF binding to rat and human serum IGFBPs. The intensity of IGFBP-3 bands decreased considerably during the incubation. This appeared to be due to endogenous protease activity, since the decrease was blocked by addition of EDTA. The incubationi of rat serum with pregnant human serum produced a marked attenuation of IGFBP-3 and disappearance of IGFBP-4 bands. In conclusion, our study shows that glucose does not influence the IGF binding to IGFBP-3 either in rat or in human serum, confirms the presence of endogenous proteolytic activity in normal non-pregnant serum, and demonstrates that glucose has no protective action against protease activity.     

Post-transcriptional gene silencing of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 restores insulin action in leucine-treated skeletal muscle

Excessive nutrients, especially amino acids, impair insulin action on glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. We tested the hypothesis that the branched-chain amino acid leucine reduces acute insulin action in primary myotubes via a negative feedback mechanism involving ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1). The effect of S6K1 on glucose metabolism was determined by applying RNA interference (siRNA). Leucine (5 mM) reduced glucose uptake and incorporation to glycogen by 13% and 22%, respectively, compared to the scramble siRNA-transfected control at the basal level. Leucine also reduced insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation, glucose uptake and glucose incorporation to glycogen (39%, 39% and 37%, respectively), and this reduction was restored after S6K1 silencing. Depletion of S6K1 enhanced basal glucose utilization and protected against the development of impaired insulin action, in response to excessive leucine. In conclusion, S6K1 plays an important role in the regulation of insulin action on glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. Received 22 December 2008; received after revision 19 February 2009; accepted 23 February 2009     

Secretory granules

Conclusions Although considerable knowledge has been acquired concerning the chemical nature of insulin and its pathway of biosynthesis, relatively little is known about the other proteins which constitute the insulin secretory granule. This, in part, has been a consequence of the difficulties of working with pancreatic islets as a tissue source and the attendant problems of obtaining sufficient material of suitable purity for experimental purposes. The scope for further investigation is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that of the 150 or so insulin granule proteins which may be visualized by electrophoresis the identity of less than 10 has been established. It is clear that some of the proteins will be shared by other granule types in accordance with the common cellular pathways involved in granule morphogenesis and exocytotic secretion. Equally though, it is also apparent that many of the peptides of the insulin granule are tailored for specific functions within the B-cell.     

Über die Wirkung blutzuckersenkender Sulfonylharnstoffe auf das isolierte Rattenzwerchfell

Summary The action of blood sugar depressing sulfonylureas on glucose and oxygen uptake, as well as on glycogen content and formation of C¹⁴O₂ from uniformly labelled C¹⁴-glucose was investigated in rat hemidiaphragms incubated in phosphate buffer. The following results were obtained: (1) Tolbutamide and Carbutamide increased the glucose uptake. (2) Tolbutamide decreased the glycogen-content. (3) Oxygen uptake as well as formation of C¹⁴O₂ were increased by Tolbutamide. (4) The action of Tolbutamide and insuline was equal with respect to glucose uptake but different as regarding the glycogen content, oxygen uptake and CO₂-formation.It is concluded that sulfonylureas increase glucose oxidation in the rat hemidiaphragm probably without increasing insulin sensitivity. To our knowledge this mechanism of action has hitherto not been described.     

Mitochondria as the conductor of metabolic signals for insulin exocytosis in pancreatic beta-cells

Mitochondrial metabolism is crucial for the coupling of glucose recognition to the exocytosis of the insulin granules. This is illustrated by in vitro and in vivo observations discussed in the present review. Mitochondria generate ATP, which is the main coupling messenger in insulin secretion. However, the subsequent Ca2+ signal in the cytosol is necessary but not sufficient for full development of sustained insulin secretion. Hence, mitochondria generate ATP and other coupling factors serving as fuel sensors for the control of the exocytotic process. Numerous studies have sought to identify the factors that mediate the amplifying pathway over the Ca2+ signal in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Predominantly, these factors are nucleotides (GTP, ATP, cAMP, NADPH), although metabolites have also been proposed, such as long-chain acyl-CoA derivatives and glutamate. Hence, the classical neurotransmitter glutamate receives a novel role, that of an intracellular messenger or co-factor in insulin secretion. This scenario further highlights the importance of glutamate dehydrogenase, a mitochondrial enzyme well recognized to play a key role in the control of insulin secretion. Therefore, additional putative messengers of mitochondrial origin are likely to participate in insulin secretion.     

A role for <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-acetylglucosamine as a nutrient sensor and mediator of insulin resistance

The ability to regulate energy balance at both the cellular and whole body level is an essential process of life. As western society has shifted to a higher caloric diet and more sedentary lifestyle, the incidence of type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) has increased to epidemic proportions. Thus, type 2 diabetes has been described as a disease of 'chronic overnutrition'. There are abundant data to support the relationship between nutrient availability and insulin action. However, there have been multiple hypotheses and debates as to the mechanism by which nutrient availability modulates insulin signaling and how excess nutrients lead to insulin resistance. One well-established pathway for nutrient sensing is the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HSP), which produces the acetylated aminosugar nucleotide uridine 5′-diphospho-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) as its end product. Since UDP-GlcNAc is the donor substrate for modification of nucleocytoplasmic proteins at serine and threonine residues with N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc), the possibility of this posttranslational modification serving as the nutrient sensor has been proposed. We have recently directly tested this model in adipocytes by examining the effect of elevated levels of O-GlcNAc on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. In this review, we summarize the existing work that implicates the HSP and O-GlcNAc modification as nutrient sensors and regulators of insulin signaling. RID="*" ID="*"Corresponding author.     

Ethanol influence on insulin secretion from isolated rat islets

This study was done to delineate the role of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors and cyclic AMP in the mechanism of ethanol effects on insulin release from isolated islets. Rats were given an alpha-adrenergic blocker, phentolamine, or a beta-adrenergic blocker, propranolol. In addition, ethanol 1 g/kg was given intragastrically 1 h prior to sacrifice. Glucose mediated insulin release from isolated islets was enhanced by phentolamine and decreased by propranolol. Ethanol treatment inhibited glucose-induced insulin release from isolated islets of control rats as well as those given phentolamine and/or propranolol. Insulin release from isolated islets in response to dibutyryl-cyclic AMP was attenuated by ethanol. Theophylline enhanced glucose mediated insulin release from control islets but ethanol treatment produced a significant inhibition of insulin response. The data suggest that the site of action of the deleterious effects of ethanol on insulin release from isolated islets in rat does not involve adrenergic system and cyclic AMP.