Proline-rich Akt substrate of 40-kDa contains a nuclear export signal.

The proline-rich Akt substrate of 40-kDa (PRAS40) has been linked to the regulation of the activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 as well as insulin action. Despite these cytosolic functions, PRAS40 was originally identified as nuclear phosphoprotein in Hela cells. This study aimed to detail mechanisms and consequences of the nucleocytosolic trafficking of PRAS40. Sequence analysis identified a potential leucine-rich nuclear export signal (NES) within PRAS40. Incubation of A14 fibroblasts overexpressing human PRAS40 (hPRAS40) resulted in nuclear accumulation of the protein. Furthermore, mutation of the NES mimicked the effects of leptomycin B, a specific inhibitor of nuclear export, on the subcellular localization of hPRAS40. Finally, A14 cells expressing the NES-mutant showed impaired activation of components of the Akt-pathway as well as of the mTORC1 substrate p70 S6 kinase after insulin stimulation. This impaired insulin signaling could be ascribed to reduced protein levels of insulin receptor substrate 1 in cells expressing mutant NES. In conclusion, PRAS40 contains a functional nuclear export signal. Furthermore, enforced nuclear accumulation of PRAS40 impairs insulin action, thereby substantiating the function of this protein in the regulation of insulin sensitivity.

Phosphorylation of PRAS40 on Thr246 by PKB/AKT facilitates efficient phosphorylation of Ser183 by mTORC1.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with alterations in protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling. The proline-rich Akt substrate of 40-kDa (PRAS40) is a component of mTORC1, which has a regulatory function at the intersection of the PKB/Akt and mTORC1 signalling pathway. Phosphorylation of PRAS40-Thr246 by PKB/Akt, and PRAS40-Ser183 and PRAS40-Ser221 by mTORC1 results in dissociation from mTORC1, and its binding to 14-3-3 proteins. Although all phosphorylation sites within PRAS40 have been implicated in 14-3-3 binding, substitution of Thr246 by Ala alone is sufficient to abolish 14-3-3 binding under conditions of intact mTORC1 signalling. This suggests that phosphorylation of PRAS40-Thr246 may facilitate efficient phosphorylation of PRAS40 on its mTORC1-dependent sites. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of PRAS40-Ser183 phosphorylation in response to insulin. Insulin promoted PRAS40-Ser183 phosphorylation after a euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp in human skeletal muscle. The insulin-induced PRAS40-Ser183 phosphorylation was further evidenced in vivo in rat skeletal and cardiac muscle, and in vitro in A14 fibroblasts, 3T3L1 adipocytes and L6 myotubes. Inhibition of mTORC1 by rapamycin or amino acid deprivation partially abrogated insulin-mediated PRAS40-Ser183 phosphorylation in cultured cell lines. However, lowering insulin-induced PRAS40-Thr246 phosphorylation using wortmannin or palmitate in cell lines, or by feeding rats a high-fat diet, completely abolished insulin-mediated PRAS40-Ser183 phosphorylation. In addition, replacement of Thr246 by Ala reduced insulin-mediated PRAS40-Ser183 phosphorylation. We conclude that PRAS40-Ser183 is a component of insulin action, and that efficient phosphorylation of PRAS40-Ser183 by mTORC1 requires the phosphorylation of PRAS40-Thr246 by PKB/Akt.

Combined risk allele score of eight type 2 diabetes genes is associated with reduced first-phase glucose-stimulated insulin secretion during hyperglycemic clamps.

OBJECTIVE: At least 20 type 2 diabetes loci have now been identified, and several of these are associated with altered beta-cell function. In this study, we have investigated the combined effects of eight known beta-cell loci on insulin secretion stimulated by three different secretagogues during hyperglycemic clamps. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 447 subjects originating from four independent studies in the Netherlands and Germany (256 with normal glucose tolerance [NGT]/191 with impaired glucose tolerance [IGT]) underwent a hyperglycemic clamp. A subset had an extended clamp with additional glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and arginine (n = 224). We next genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms in TCF7L2, KCNJ11, CDKAL1, IGF2BP2, HHEX/IDE, CDKN2A/B, SLC30A8, and MTNR1B and calculated a risk allele score by risk allele counting. RESULTS: The risk allele score was associated with lower first-phase glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) (P = 7.1 x 10(-6)). The effect size was equal in subjects with NGT and IGT. We also noted an inverse correlation with the disposition index (P = 1.6 x 10(-3)). When we stratified the study population according to the number of risk alleles into three groups, those with a medium- or high-risk allele score had 9 and 23% lower first-phase GSIS. Second-phase GSIS, insulin sensitivity index and GLP-1, or arginine-stimulated insulin release were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: A combined risk allele score for eight known beta-cell genes is associated with the rapid first-phase GSIS and the disposition index. The slower second-phase GSIS, GLP-1, and arginine-stimulated insulin secretion are not associated, suggesting that especially processes involved in rapid granule recruitment and exocytosis are affected in the majority of risk loci.

Gene variants in the novel type 2 diabetes loci CDC123/CAMK1D, THADA, ADAMTS9, BCL11A, and MTNR1B affect different aspects of pancreatic beta-cell function.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, results from a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies have yielded a number of novel type 2 diabetes loci. However, conflicting results have been published regarding their effects on insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. In this study we used hyperglycemic clamps with three different stimuli to test associations between these novel loci and various measures of beta-cell function. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: For this study, 336 participants, 180 normal glucose tolerant and 156 impaired glucose tolerant, underwent a 2-h hyperglycemic clamp. In a subset we also assessed the response to glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and arginine during an extended clamp (n = 123). All subjects were genotyped for gene variants in JAZF1, CDC123/CAMK1D, TSPAN8/LGR5, THADA, ADAMTS9, NOTCH2/ADAMS30, DCD, VEGFA, BCL11A, HNF1B, WFS1, and MTNR1B. RESULTS: Gene variants in CDC123/CAMK1D, ADAMTS9, BCL11A, and MTNR1B affected various aspects of the insulin response to glucose (all P < 6.9 x 10(-3)). The THADA gene variant was associated with lower beta-cell response to GLP-1 and arginine (both P < 1.6 x 10(-3)), suggesting lower beta-cell mass as a possible pathogenic mechanism. Remarkably, we also noted a trend toward an increased insulin response to GLP-1 in carriers of MTNR1B (P = 0.03), which may offer new therapeutic possibilities. The other seven loci were not detectably associated with beta-cell function. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes risk alleles in CDC123/CAMK1D, THADA, ADAMTS9, BCL11A, and MTNR1B are associated with various specific aspects of beta-cell function. These findings point to a clear diversity in the impact that these various gene variants may have on (dys)function of pancreatic beta-cells.

The nuclear appearance of ERK1/2 and p38 determines the sequential induction of ATF2-Thr71 and ATF2-Thr69 phosphorylation by serum in JNK-deficient cells.

Growth factors activate ATF2 via sequential phosphorylation of Thr69 and Thr71, where the ATF2-Thr71-phosphorylation precedes the induction of ATF2-Thr69+71-phosphorylation. Here, we studied the mechanisms contributing to serum-induced two-step ATF2-phosphorylation in JNK1,2-deficient embryonic fibroblasts. Using anion exchange chromatography, ERK1/2 and p38 were identified as ATF2-kinases in vitro. Inhibitor studies as well as nuclear localization experiments show that the sequential nuclear appearance of ERK1/2 and p38 determines the induction of ATF2-Thr71 and ATF2-Thr69+71-phosphorylation in response to serum.

Phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy of skeletal muscle in maternally inherited diabetes and deafness A3243G mitochondrial mutation carriers.

PURPOSE: To investigate high-energy phosphate metabolism in striated skeletal muscle of patients with Maternally Inherited Diabetes and Deafness (MIDD) syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 11 patients with the MIDD mutation (six with diabetes mellitus [DM] and five non-DM) and eight healthy subjects, phosphocreatine (PCr) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) in the vastus medialis muscle was measured immediately after exercise using (31)P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The half-time of recovery (t1/2) of monoexponentially fitted (PCr+Pi)/PCr was calculated from spectra obtained every 4 seconds after cessation of exercise. A multiple linear regression model was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Patients with the MIDD mutation showed a significantly prolonged t1/2 (PCr+Pi)/PCr after exercise as compared to controls (13.6+/-3.0 vs. 8.7+/-1.3 sec, P = 0.01). No association between the presence of DM and t1/2 (PCr + Pi)/PCr was found (P = 0.382). CONCLUSION: MIDD patients showed impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle shortly after exercise, irrespective of the presence of DM.

The A3243G tRNALeu(UUR) mutation induces mitochondrial dysfunction and variable disease expression without dominant negative acting translational defects in complex IV subunits at UUR codons.

Mutations in the mitochondrial tRNA(Leu(UUR)) gene are associated with a large variety of human diseases through a largely undisclosed mechanism. The A3243G tRNA(Leu(UUR)) mutation leads to reduction of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded proteins and oxidative phosphorylation activity even when the cells are competent in mitochondrial translation. These two aspects led to the suggestion that a dominant negative factor may underlie the diversity of disease expression. Here we test the hypothesis that A3243G tRNA(Leu(UUR)) generates such a dominant negative gain-of-function defect through misincorporation of amino acids at UUR codons of mtDNA-encoded proteins. Using an anti-complex IV immunocapture technique and mass spectrometry, we show that the mtDNA-encoded cytochrome c oxidase I (COX I) and COX II exist exclusively with the correct amino acid sequences in A3243G cells in a misassembled complex IV. A dominant negative component therefore cannot account for disease phenotype, leaving tissue-specific accumulation by mtDNA segregation as the most likely cause of variable mitochondrial disease expression.

Insulin-mediated phosphorylation of the proline-rich Akt substrate PRAS40 is impaired in insulin target tissues of high-fat diet-fed rats.

Clinical insulin resistance is associated with decreased activation of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K) and its downstream substrate protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt. However, its physiological protein substrates remain poorly characterized. In the present study, the effect of in vivo insulin action on phosphorylation of the PKB/Akt substrate 40 (PRAS40) was examined. In rat and mice, insulin stimulated PRAS40-Thr246 phosphorylation in skeletal and cardiac muscle, the liver, and adipose tissue in vivo. Physiological hyperinsulinemia increased PRAS40-Thr246 phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle biopsies. In cultured cell lines, insulin-mediated PRAS40 phosphorylation was prevented by the PI3K inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence studies showed that phosphorylated PRAS40 is predominantly localized to the nucleus. Finally, in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD), phosphorylation of PRAS40 was markedly reduced compared with low-fat diet-fed animals in all tissues examined. In conclusion, the current study identifies PRAS40 as a physiological target of in vivo insulin action. Phosphorylation of PRAS40 is increased by insulin in human, rat, and mouse insulin target tissues. In rats, this response is reduced under conditions of HFD-induced insulin resistance.

The HADHSC gene encoding short-chain L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SCHAD) and type 2 diabetes susceptibility: the DAMAGE study.

The short-chain l-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SCHAD) protein is involved in the penultimate step of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. Previously, it has been shown that mutations in the corresponding gene (HADHSC) are associated with hyperinsulinism in infancy. The presumed function of the SCHAD enzyme in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion led us to the hypothesis that common variants in HADHSC on chromosome 4q22-26 might be associated with development of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we have performed a large-scale association study in four different cohorts from the Netherlands and Denmark (n = 7,365). Direct sequencing of HADHSC cDNA and databank analysis identified four tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including one missense variant (P86L). Neither the SNPs nor haplotypes investigated were associated with the disease, enzyme function, or any relevant quantitative measure (all P > 0.1). The present study provides no evidence that the specific HADHSC variants or haplotypes examined do influence susceptibility to develop type 2 diabetes. We conclude that it is unlikely that variation in HADHSC plays a major role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes in the examined cohorts.

The role of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase in insulin-induced Thr69 and Thr71 phosphorylation of activating transcription factor 2.

The stimulation of cells with physiological concentrations of insulin induces a variety of responses, e.g. an increase in glucose uptake, induction of glycogen and protein synthesis, and gene expression. One of the determinants regulating insulin-mediated gene expression may be activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2). Insulin activates ATF2 by phosphorylation of Thr69 and Thr71 via a two-step mechanism, in which ATF2-Thr71 phosphorylation precedes the induction of ATF2-Thr69+71 phosphorylation by several minutes. We previously found that in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-/- fibroblasts, cooperation of the ERK1/2 and p38 pathways is required for two-step ATF2-Thr69+71 phosphorylation in response to growth factors. Because JNK is also capable of phosphorylating ATF2, we assessed the involvement of JNK, ERK1/2 and p38 in the insulin-induced two-step ATF2 phosphorylation in JNK-expressing A14 fibroblasts and 3T3L1-adipocytes. The induction of ATF2-Thr71 phosphorylation was sensitive to MAPK kinase (MEK) 1/2-inhibition with U0126, and this phosphorylation coincided with nuclear translocation of phosphorylated ERK1/2. Use of the JNK inhibitor SP600125 or expression of dominant-negative JNK-activator SAPK kinase (SEK1) prevented the induction of ATF2-Thr69+71, but not ATF2-Thr71 phosphorylation by insulin. ATF2-dependent transcription was also sensitive to SP-treatment. Abrogation of p38 activation with SB203580 or expression of dominant-negative MKK6 had no inhibitory effect on these events. In agreement with this, the onset of ATF2-Thr69+71 phosphorylation coincided with the nuclear translocation of phosphorylated JNK. Finally, in vitro kinase assays using nuclear extracts indicated that ERK1/2 preceded JNK translocation. We conclude that sequential activation and nuclear appearance of ERK1/2 and JNK, rather than p38, underlies the two-step insulin-induced ATF2 phosphorylation in JNK-expressing cells.

Effect of a 2-day very low-energy diet on skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity in obese type 2 diabetic patients on insulin therapy.

This study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying the blood glucose-lowering effect of a 2-day very low-energy diet (VLED, 1883 kJ/d) in 12 obese (body mass index, 36.3 +/- 1.0 kg/m2 [mean +/- SEM]) type 2 diabetic (HbA(1C) 7.3% +/- 0.4%) patients simultaneously taken off all glucose-lowering therapy, including insulin. Endogenous glucose production (EGP) and glucose disposal ([6,6-2H2]-glucose) were measured before and after the VLED in basal and hyperinsulinemic (40 mU/m2 per minute) euglycemic conditions. Insulin signaling and expression of GLUT-4, FAT/CD36, and triglycerides were assessed in muscle biopsies, obtained before the clamp and after 30 minutes of hyperinsulinemia. Fasting plasma glucose decreased from 11.3 +/- 1.3 to 10.3 +/- 1.0 mmol/L because of a decreased basal EGP (14.2 +/- 1.0 to 11.9 +/- 0.7 micromol/kg per minute, P = .009). Insulin-stimulated glucose disposal did not change. No diet effect was found on the expression of the insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate-1 or on phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase activity, or on FAT/CD36 expression pattern, GLUT-4 translocation, or triglyceride distribution in either the basal or insulin-stimulated situation. Unexpectedly, basal PKB/Akt phosphorylation on T308 and S473 increased after the diet, at equal protein expression. In conclusion, a 2-day VLED lowers fasting plasma glucose via a decreased basal EGP without an effect on glucose disposal. Accordingly, no changes in activation of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase, triglyceride distribution, FAT/CD36 expression, and GLUT-4 translocation were found in skeletal muscle biopsies.

Distinct nuclear gene expression profiles in cells with mtDNA depletion and homoplasmic A3243G mutation.

The pathobiochemical pathways determining the wide variability in phenotypic expression of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are not well understood. Most pathogenic mtDNA mutations induce a general defect in mitochondrial respiration and thereby ATP synthesis. Yet phenotypic expression of the different mtDNA mutations shows large variations that are difficult to reconcile with ATP depletion as sole pathogenic factor, implying that additional mechanisms contribute to the phenotype. Here, we use DNA microarrays to identify changes in nuclear gene expression resulting from the presence of the A3243G diabetogenic mutation and from a depletion of mtDNA (rho0 cells). We find that cells respond mildly to these mitochondrial states with both general and specific changes in nuclear gene expression. This observation indicates that cells can sense the status of mtDNA. A number of genes show divergence in expression in rho0 cells compared to cells with the A3243G mutation, such as genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation. As a common response in A3243G and rho0 cells, mRNA levels for extracellular matrix genes are up-regulated, while the mRNA levels of genes involved in ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation and in ribosomal protein synthesis is down-regulated. This reduced expression is reflected at the level of cytosolic protein synthesis in both A3243G and rho0 cells. Our finding that mitochondrial dysfunction caused by different mutations affects nuclear gene expression in partially distinct ways suggests that multiple pathways link mitochondrial function to nuclear gene expression and contribute to the development of the different phenotypes in mitochondrial disease.

Evidence that the mitochondrial leucyl tRNA synthetase (LARS2) gene represents a novel type 2 diabetes susceptibility gene.

Previously, we have shown that a mutation in the mitochondrial DNA-encoded tRNA(Leu(UUR)) gene is associated with type 2 diabetes. One of the consequences of this mutation is a reduced aminoacylation of tRNA(Leu(UUR)). In this study, we have examined whether variants in the leucyl tRNA synthetase gene (LARS2), involved in aminoacylation of tRNA(Leu(UUR)), associate with type 2 diabetes. Direct sequencing of LARS2 cDNA from 25 type 2 diabetic subjects revealed eight single nucleotide polymorphisms. Two of the variants were examined in 7,836 subjects from four independent populations in the Netherlands and Denmark. A -109 g/a variant was not associated with type 2 diabetes. Allele frequencies for the other variant, H324Q, were 3.5% in type 2 diabetic and 2.7% in control subjects, respectively. The common odds ratio across all four studies was 1.40 (95% CI 1.12-1.76), P = 0.004. There were no significant differences in clinical variables between carriers and noncarriers. In this study, we provide evidence that the LARS2 gene may represent a novel type 2 diabetes susceptibility gene. The mechanism by which the H324Q variant enhances type 2 diabetes risk needs to be further established. This is the first report of association between an aminoacyl tRNA synthetase gene and disease. Our results further highlight the important role of mitochondria in glucose homeostasis.

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor SB203580 reduces glucose turnover by the glucose transporter-4 of 3T3-L1 adipocytes in the insulin-stimulated state.

Insulin induces a profound increase in glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through the activity of the glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4). Apart from GLUT4 translocation toward the plasma membrane, there is also an insulin-induced p38 MAPK-dependent step involved in the regulation of glucose uptake. Consequently, treatment with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 reduces insulin-induced glucose uptake by approximately 30%. Pretreatment with SB203580 does not alter the apparent K(m) of GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake but reduces the maximum velocity by approximately 30%. Insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation and exposure of the transporter to the extracellular environment was not altered by pretreatment with SB203580, as evidenced by a lack of effect of the inhibitor on the amount of GLUT4 present in the plasma membrane, as assessed by subcellular fractionation, the amount of GLUT4 that is able to undergo biotinylation on intact adipocytes and the level of extracellular exposure of an ectopically expressed GLUT-green fluorescence protein construct with a hemagglutinin tag in its first extracellular loop. In contrast, labeling of GLUT4 after insulin stimulation by a membrane-impermeable, mannose moiety-containing, photoaffinity-labeling agent [2-N-4(1-azido-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)benzoyl-1,3-bis(d-mannose-4-yloxy)-2-propylamine] that binds to the extracellular glucose acceptor domain was markedly reduced by SB203580, although photolabeling with this compound in the absence of insulin was unaffected by SB203580. These data suggest that SB203580 affects glucose turnover by the insulin-responsive GLUT4 transporter in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Genistein directly inhibits GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

The isoflavone-derivative genistein is commonly applied as an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases. In this report we analyze the effect of genistein on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In these cells insulin-induced glucose uptake is primarily mediated by the GLUT4 glucose transporter. We observed that pre-treatment with genistein did not affect insulin-induced tyrosine kinase activity of the insulin receptor or activation of protein kinase B. On the other hand, genistein acted as a direct inhibitor of insulin-induced glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes with an IC(50) of 20 microM. We conclude that apart from acting as a general tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein also affects the function of other proteins such as the GLUT4 transporter. These data suggest that caution must be applied when interpreting data on the involvement of tyrosine kinase activity in glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Regulation of GLUT1-mediated glucose uptake by PKClambda-PKCbeta(II) interactions in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Members of the PKC (protein kinase C) superfamily play key regulatory roles in glucose transport. How the different PKC isotypes are involved in the regulation of glucose transport is still poorly defined. PMA is a potent activator of conventional and novel PKCs and PMA increases the rate of glucose uptake in many different cell systems. In the present study, we show that PMA treatment increases glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by two mechanisms: a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-dependent increase in GLUT1 (glucose transporter 1) expression levels and a PKClambda-dependent translocation of GLUT1 towards the plasma membrane. Intriguingly, PKClambda co-immunoprecipitated with PKCbeta(II) and did not with PKCbeta(I). Previously, we have described that down-regulation of PKCbeta(II) protein levels or inhibiting PKCbeta(II) by means of the myristoylated PKCbetaC2-4 peptide inhibitor induced GLUT1 translocation towards the plasma membrane in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Combined with the present findings, these results suggest that the liberation of PKClambda from PKCbeta(II) is an important factor in the regulation of GLUT1 distribution in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase-1 and -4 attenuate p38 MAPK during dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Prolonged use of glucocorticoids induces pronounced insulin resistance in vivo. In vitro, treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with dexamethasone for 48 h reduces the maximal level of insulin- and stress (arsenite)-induced glucose uptake by approximately 50%. Although phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling was slightly attenuated, phosphorylation of its downstream effectors such as protein kinase B and protein kinase C-lambda remained intact. Nor was any effect of dexamethasone treatment observed on insulin- or arsenite-induced translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) toward the plasma membrane. However, for a maximal response to either arsenite- or insulin-induced glucose uptake in these cells, functional p38 MAPK signaling is required. Dexamethasone treatment markedly attenuated p38 MAPK phosphorylation coincident with an up-regulation of the MAPK phosphatases MKP-1 and MKP-4. Employing lentivirus-mediated ectopic expression in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes demonstrated a differential effect of these phosphatases: whereas MKP-1 was a more potent inhibitor of insulin-induced glucose uptake, MKP-4 more efficiently inhibited arsenite-induced glucose uptake. This coincided with the effects of these phosphatases on p38 MAPK phosphorylation, i.e. MKP-1 and MKP-4 attenuated p38 MAPK phosphorylation by insulin and arsenite, respectively. Taken together, these data provide evidence that in 3T3-L1 adipocytes dexamethasone inhibits the activation of the GLUT4 in the plasma membrane by a p38 MAPK-dependent process, rather than in a defect in GLUT4 translocation per se.

Lentiviral vectors efficiently transduce quiescent mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Obesity is associated with many serious afflictions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. One of the main cellular systems used to study the underlying physiological and biological processes is the 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation model. However, studies on 3T3-L1 adipocytes are hampered by the fact that genetic modification of mature adipocytes is notoriously difficult. In this report, we evaluated the use of lentivirus-mediated gene transfer into 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes. We demonstrate that quiescent, fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes as well as 3T3-L1 preadipocytes can be efficiently transduced with HIV-1-derived lentiviral vectors. Upon transduction using LV-PGK-GFP lentiviral vector at 100 ng p24 per 10(5) cells, more than 95% of the 3T3-L1 adipocytes in the culture expressed the GFP reporter gene. There were no overt signs of toxicity or cytopathogenicity in the cultures. Furthermore, modification of undifferentiated preadipocytes did not affect their capacity to differentiate. In addition, insulin-induced glucose uptake was not affected by the procedure. In contrast, adenoviral-mediated gene transfer into 3T3-L1 adipocytes is associated with marked cytopathogenicity. From these data, we conclude that lentiviral vectors are the gene-transfer system of choice for genetic modification of mature adipocytes. The availability of an efficient vector system may stimulate the use of adipose tissue as a target for gene therapy in obesity and other disorders.

Genetic factors and insulin secretion: gene variants in the IGF genes.

IGFs are important regulators of pancreatic beta-cell development, growth, and maintenance. Mutations in the IGF genes have been found to be associated with type 2 diabetes, myocardial infarction, birth weight, and obesity. These associations could result from changes in insulin secretion. We have analyzed glucose-stimulated insulin secretion using hyperglycemic clamps in carriers of a CA repeat in the IGF-I promoter and an ApaI polymorphism in the IGF-II gene. Normal and impaired glucose-tolerant subjects (n = 237) were independently recruited from three different populations in the Netherlands and Germany to allow independent replication of associations. Both first- and second-phase insulin secretion were not significantly different between the various IGF-I or IGF-II genotypes. Remarkably, noncarriers of the IGF-I CA repeat allele had both a reduced insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and disposition index (DI), suggesting an altered balance between insulin secretion and insulin action. Other diabetes-related parameters were not significantly different for both the IGF-I and IGF-II gene variant. We conclude that gene variants in the IGF-I and IGF-II genes are not associated with detectable variations in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in these three independent populations. Further studies are needed to examine the exact contributions of the IGF-I CA repeat alleles to variations in ISI and DI.