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Akt2 phosphorylates Synip to regulate docking and fusion of GLUT4-containing vesicles.

We have identified an unusual potential dual Akt/protein kinase B consensus phosphorylation motif in the protein Synip (RxKxRS(97)xS(99)). Surprisingly, serine 97 is not appreciably phosphorylated, whereas serine 99 is only a specific substrate for Akt2 but not Akt1 or Akt3. Although wild-type Synip (WT-Synip) undergoes an insulin-stimulated dissociation from Syntaxin4, the Synip serine 99 to phenylalanine mutant (S99F-Synip) is resistant to Akt2 phosphorylation and fails to display insulin-stimulated Syntaxin4 dissociation. Furthermore, overexpression of WT-Synip in 3T3L1 adipocytes had no effect on insulin-stimulated recruitment of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the plasma membrane, whereas overexpression of S99F-Synip functioned in a dominant-interfering manner by preventing insulin-stimulated GLUT4 recruitment and plasma membrane fusion. These data demonstrate that insulin activation of Akt2 specifically regulates the docking/fusion step of GLUT4-containing vesicles at the plasma membrane through the regulation of Synip phosphorylation and Synip-Syntaxin4 interaction.

3T3 Cells↗

Dexamethasone induces the GLUT4 glucose transporter, and responses of glucose transport to norepinephrine and insulin in primary cultures of brown adipocytes.

Glucose uptake into brown adipose tissue is enhanced directly by norepinephrine released from the sympathetic nerves. In the present study, we tried to establish culture conditions for brown adipocytes which are favorable for investigation of this unique glucose transport. Stromal-vascular cells isolated from the interscapular brown adipose tissue of newborn rats differentiated into brown adipocytes expressing the uncoupling protein, when the cells were maintained on collagen-coated dishes. These cells, however, did not show an increase in 2-[3H]deoxyglucose transport in response to insulin or norepinephrine, nor did they exhibit expression of the GLUT4 glucose transporter, whereas GLUT1 was present, as judged on Western blotting. Pre-treatment of confluent cells with dexamethasone induced a response of glucose transport to either insulin or norepinephrine, and the expression of GLUT4, together with notable accumulation of lipid droplets. The induction of GLUT4 expression by dexamethasone was dose-dependent and potentiated by insulin. These results indicate that treatment of cultured brown adipocytes with dexamethasone makes it feasible to analyze the mechanism underlying the enhancement of glucose transport induced by norepinephrine.

Adipocytes↗

Solution structure and backbone dynamics of an N-terminal ubiquitin-like domain in the GLUT4-regulating protein, TUG.

The GLUT4-regulating protein, TUG, functions to retain GLUT4-containing membrane vesicles intracellularly and, in response to insulin stimulation, releases these vesicles to the cellular exocytic machinery for translocation to the plasma membrane. As part of our on going effort to describe the molecular basis for TUG function, we have determined the tertiary structure and characterized the backbone dynamics for an N-terminal ubiquitin-like domain (TUG-UBL1) using NMR spectroscopy. A well-ordered conformation is observed for residues 10-83 of full-length TUG, and confirms a beta-grasp or ubiquitin-like topology. Although not required for in vitro association with GLUT4, the functional role of the TUG-UBL1 domain has not yet been described. We undertook a limited literature review of similar N-terminal UBL domains and noted that a majority participate in protein-protein interactions, generally functioning as adaptor modules to physically associate the over all activity of the protein with a specific cellular process, such as the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In consistent fashion, TUG-UBL1 is not expected to participate in a covalent protein modification reaction as it lacks the characteristic C-terminal diglycine ("GG") motif required for conjugation to an acceptor lysine, and also lacks the three most common acceptor lysine residues involved in polyubiquitination. Additionally, analysis of the TUG-UBL1 molecular surface reveals a lack of conservation of the "Ile-44 hydrophobic face" typically involved in ubiquitin recognition. Instead, we speculate on the possible significance of a concentrated area of negative electrostatic potential with increased backbone mobility, both of which are features suggestive of a potential protein-protein interaction site.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Melatonin protects against oxidative damage and restores expression of GLUT4 gene in the hyperthyroid rat heart.

To understand the mechanism of cardiovascular dysfunction in the hyperthyroid condition, the role of oxidative stress was examined in rats treated with 3,5,3'-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3). Treatment of rats daily with T3 (8 microg/100 g BW) for 15 days resulted in an increase in heart weight to body weight ratio, which was ameliorated by antioxidants, melatonin (2 mg/100 g BW) or vitamin E (4 mg/100 g BW). Both melatonin and vitamin E also inhibited rises of lipid peroxidation and hydroxyl radical generation and prevented the inhibition of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase in the hypertrophic heart. The expression of the glucose transporter, GLUT4, was reduced in response to T3, which was completely restored by melatonin and partially by vitamin E. However, neither antioxidant prevented down regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha in the hyperthyroid heart. Furthermore, the reduced level of myocyte enhancer factor-2, a regulator of GLUT4 transcription was restored completely by melatonin and partially by vitamin E treatment. Glucose uptake in hypertrophic left ventricular cells was also restored by these antioxidants. The expression of B-type natriuretic peptide, a marker of heart failure, was significantly increased by T3 and ameliorated by melatonin or vitamin E treatments. In general, the beneficial effects of melatonin given as a co-treatment with T3 were better than those induced by vitamin E. These data show that melatonin ameliorates hypertrophic growth of the myocardium induced by hyperthyroidism and provide an insight into the mechanism of reactive oxygen species-mediated down regulation of metabolically important genes such as GLUT4 in the heart.

Animals↗

Dipyridamole alters cardiac substrate preference by inducing translocation of FAT/CD36, but not that of GLUT4.

In cardiac myocytes, uptake rates of glucose and long-chain fatty acids (FA) are regulated by translocation of GLUT4 and FA translocase (FAT)/CD36, respectively, from intracellular stores to the sarcolemma. Insulin and contractions are two major physiological stimuli able to induce translocation of both transporters and therefore enhance the uptake of both substrates. Interestingly, the cardiovascular drug dipyridamole was able to enhance FA uptake but had no effect on glucose uptake. The selective stimulatory effect of dipyridamole on FA uptake was unrelated to its effects on phosphodiesterase inhibition and on nucleoside transport inhibition. However, dipyridamole-stimulated FA uptake was abolished in the presence of sulfo-N-succinimidylpalmitate, which indicated that FAT/CD36 is involved in the uptake process. Furthermore, the effect was additive to that of insulin but not to that of the AMP-elevating agent oligomycin, indicating that dipyridamole stimulates FAT/CD36-mediated FA uptake by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Dipyridamole, however, neither influenced the intracellular AMP content nor induced activation of AMPK. Finally, dipyridamole was able to induce FAT/CD36 translocation from intracellular storage sites to the sarcolemma but had no effect on the subcellular distribution of GLUT4. It is concluded that beyond AMP-activated protein kinase the contraction-induced and AMPK-mediated signal branches off into separate mobilization of GLUT4 and of FAT/CD36, and that dipyridamole activates a yet unidentified target in the FAT/CD36 mobilizing branch.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗

A role for protein kinase Bbeta/Akt2 in insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation in adipocytes.

Insulin stimulates glucose uptake into muscle and fat cells by promoting the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the cell surface. Phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) has been implicated in this process. However, the involvement of protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt, a downstream target of PI3K in regulation of GLUT4 translocation, has been controversial. Here we report that microinjection of a PKB substrate peptide or an antibody to PKB inhibited insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane by 66 or 56%, respectively. We further examined the activation of PKB isoforms following treatment of cells with insulin or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and found that PKBbeta is preferentially expressed in both rat and 3T3-L1 adipocytes, whereas PKBalpha expression is down-regulated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. A switch in growth factor response was also observed when 3T3-L1 fibroblasts were differentiated into adipocytes. While PDGF was more efficacious than insulin in stimulating PKB phosphorylation in fibroblasts, PDGF did not stimulate PKBbeta phosphorylation to any significant extent in adipocytes, as assessed by several methods. Moreover, insulin, but not PDGF, stimulated the translocation of PKBbeta to the plasma membrane and high-density microsome fractions of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These results support a role for PKBbeta in insulin-stimulated glucose transport in adipocytes.

3T3 Cells↗

In vivo effect of Trigonella foenum graecum on the expression of pyruvate kinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and distribution of glucose transporter (GLUT4) in alloxan-diabetic rats.

Plasma glucose levels are maintained by a precise balance between glucose production and its use. Liver pyruvate kinase (PK) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), 2 key enzymes of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, respectively, play a crucial role in this glucose homeostasis along with skeletal muscle glucose transporter (GLUT4). In the diabetic state, this balance is disturbed owing to the absence of insulin, the principal factor controlling this regulation. In the present study, alloxan-diabetic animals having high glucose levels of more than 300 mmol/L have been taken and the administration of Trigonella seed powder (TSP) to the diabetic animals was assessed for its effect on the expression of PK and PEPCK in liver and GLUT4 distribution in skeletal muscle of alloxan-diabetic rats. TSP treatment to the diabetic animals resulted in a marked decrease in the plasma glucose levels. Trigonella treatment partially restored the altered expression of PK and PEPCK. TSP treatment also corrected the alterations in the distribution of GLUT4 in the skeletal muscle.

Animals↗

Physiological regulation of the expression of a GLUT4 homolog in fish skeletal muscle.

We have recently cloned a glucose transporter from brown trout muscle (btGLUT) with high sequence homology to mammalian GLUT4 that is predominantly expressed in red and white skeletal muscle, the two major sites of glucose uptake in trout. To study the physiological regulation of this putative fish GLUT4, we have investigated the expression of btGLUT in red and white skeletal muscle of trout in which blood insulin levels have been altered experimentally. The expression of btGLUT in red muscle increased significantly when insulin plasma levels were elevated by either insulin or arginine treatment and decreased significantly when insulin plasma levels were reduced either by fasting or by feeding a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet. In contrast, the expression of btGLUT in white muscle was not affected by changes in the plasma levels of insulin. These results strongly suggest that insulin could be regulating the expression of btGLUT in trout red muscle in vivo and set the ground to test the hypothesis that btGLUT may be considered a GLUT4 homolog in fish.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Effect of the ovarian hormones on GLUT4 expression and contraction-stimulated glucose uptake.

This study examined the roles of the female sex steroids, 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone (Prog), on glucose uptake and GLUT4 protein expression. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham operated (C) or ovariectomized and treated with placebo (O), E(2) (E), Prog (P), or both hormones at physiological doses (P + E) or the same dose of Prog with a high dose of E(2) (P + HiE) via timed-release pellets inserted at the time of surgery, 15 days before metabolic testing. On the morning of day 15, animals received a 300-microCi injection (ip) of 2-deoxy-[(14)C]glucose and then either exercised on a motorized treadmill for 30 min at 0.35 m/s or remained sedentary in their cages for the same period. Basal glucose uptake was not different between the treatment groups in either the red or white quadriceps. However, glucose uptake was decreased (P < 0.05) in O, P, and P + E rats during exercise in the red quadriceps compared with C rats, whereas E and P + HiE treatment restored glucose uptake. Glycogen content in skeletal muscle followed similar trends, with no differences seen in resting animals. Postexercise red quadriceps glycogen levels were higher (P < 0.05) in the E and P + HiE rats compared with O and P. Treatment of ovariectomized rats with progesterone (P rats) decreased (P < 0.05) GLUT4 content in the red quadriceps by 21% compared with C rats. These data demonstrate that estrogen-deficient animals have a decreased ability for contraction-stimulated glucose uptake and increased glycogen use during aerobic exercise. However, changes in contraction-stimulated glucose uptake could not be explained by altered transporter protein content, since the absence of E(2) had no effect on GLUT4 protein.

Animals↗

Functional characterization of an insulin-responsive glucose transporter (GLUT4) from fish adipose tissue.

Glucose transport across the plasma membrane is mediated by a family of glucose transporter proteins (GLUTs), several of which have been identified in mammalian, avian, and, more recently, in fish species. Here, we report on the cloning of a salmon GLUT from adipose tissue with a high sequence homology to mammalian GLUT4 that has been named okGLUT4. Kinetic analysis of glucose transport following expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes demonstrated a 7.6 +/- 1.4 mM K(m) for 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) transport measured under zero-trans conditions and 14.4 +/- 1.5 mM by equilibrium exchange of 3-O-methylglucose. Transport of 2-DG by okGLUT4-injected oocytes was stereospecific and was competed by D-glucose, D-mannose, and, to a lesser extent, D-galactose and D-fructose. In addition, 2-DG uptake was inhibited by cytochalasin B and ethylidene glucose. Moreover, insulin stimulated glucose uptake in Xenopus oocytes expressing okGLUT4 and in isolated trout adipocytes, which contain the native form of okGLUT4. Despite differences in protein motifs important for insulin-stimulated translocation of mammalian GLUT4, okGLUT4 was able to translocate to the plasma membrane from intracellular localization sites in response to insulin when expressed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These data demonstrate that okGLUT4 is a structural and functional fish homolog of mammalian GLUT4 but with a lower affinity for glucose, which could in part explain the lower ability of fish to clear a glucose load.

3T3 Cells↗

Selective chronic regulation of GLUT1 and GLUT4 content by insulin, glucose, and lipid in rat cardiac muscle in vivo.

The glucose transporter GLUT1 may play a more important role in cardiac than in skeletal muscle, but its regulation is unclear. During fasting, cardiac GLUT1 declines in the presence of low plasma insulin and glucose and high nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels, whereas GLUT4 is unchanged. We investigated insulin, glucose, and NEFA levels as regulatory factors of cardiac GLUT content in chronically cannulated rats. Fasting rats were infused for 24 h with saline or insulin (2 rates) while plasma glucose was equalized by a glucose clamp; final transporter content was compared with a fed control group. There was a close association of GLUT1 content with insulin (r2 = 0.83, P < 0.001), with GLUT1 varying over a threefold range, under equivalent fasting glycemic conditions (plasma glucose, 5.1 +/- 0.1 mM). Maintenance of fed insulin levels during fasting prevented the GLUT1 fall (P < 0.01), whereas hyperinsulinemia (117 +/- 10 mU/l) led to significant overexpression of GLUT1 (155 +/- 12% of control, P < 0.01). When high glucose (7.6 +/- 0.1 mM) or high NEFA (0.76 +/- 0.05 mM) levels accompanied the hyperinsulinemia, upregulation of GLUT1 was blocked. GLUT1 content correlated with an estimate of cardiac glucose clearance across the groups. Cardiac GLUT4 content, hexokinase, and acyl-CoA synthase activities were unaffected by fasting, insulin, or substrate manipulation. In conclusion, insulin preferentially upregulates GLUT1 (but not GLUT4) in a dose-dependent manner in cardiac muscle in vivo, and substrate supply modulates this response, since upregulation can be effectively blocked by increased glucose or lipid availability. Therefore, both insulin exposure and energy status of cardiac muscle may be important determinants of cardiac GLUT1 expression.

Animals↗

Regulation of the human glut4 gene expression in tumor RD18 cell line.

We tested if glut4, the gene for muscle-specific glucose transporter, underwent some variations of expression in neoplastic cells. Our model was a rhabdomyosarcoma cell line (RD18) which retains the ability to differentiate along the myogenic pathway. Any definable changes of expression of glut4 in normal and RD18 cells were revealed by Northern blot analysis. In order to identify the transcriptional regulatory regions of the glut4 gene we performed a deletion analysis of the 5' flanking region. The downregulation which we found in the expression of this gene in RD18 cells could be related with the activity of a negative regulatory element.

Base Sequence↗

Restoration of insulin responsiveness in skeletal muscle of morbidly obese patients after weight loss. Effect on muscle glucose transport and glucose transporter GLUT4.

A major defect contributing to impaired insulin action in human obesity is reduced glucose transport activity in skeletal muscle. This study was designed to determine whether the improvement in whole body glucose disposal associated with weight reduction is related to a change in skeletal muscle glucose transport activity and levels of the glucose transporter protein GLUT4. Seven morbidly obese (body mass index = 45.8 +/- 2.5, mean +/- SE) patients, including four with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), underwent gastric bypass surgery for treatment of their obesity. In vivo glucose disposal during a euglycemic clamp at an insulin infusion rate of 40 mU/m2 per min was reduced to 27% of nonobese controls (P less than 0.01) and improved to 78% of normal after weight loss of 43.1 +/- 3.1 kg (P less than 0.01). Maximal insulin-stimulated glucose transport activity in incubated muscle fibers was reduced by approximately 50% in obese patients at the time of gastric bypass surgery but increased twofold (P less than 0.01) to 88% of normal in five separate patients after similar weight reduction. Muscle biopsies obtained from vastus lateralis before and after weight loss revealed no significant change in levels of GLUT4 glucose transporter protein. These data demonstrate conclusively that insulin resistance in skeletal muscle of mobidly obese patients with and without NIDDM cannot be causally related to the cellular content of GLUT4 protein. The results further suggest that morbid obesity contributes to whole body insulin resistance through a reversible defect in skeletal muscle glucose transport activity. The mechanism for this improvement may involve enhanced transporter translocation and/or activation.

Adult↗

Overexpression of Glut4 protein in muscle increases basal and insulin-stimulated whole body glucose disposal in conscious mice.

The effect of increased Glut4 protein expression in muscle and fat on the whole body glucose metabolism has been evaluated by the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique in conscious mice. Fed and fasting plasma glucose concentrations were 172 +/- 7 and 78 +/- 7 mg/dl, respectively, in transgenic mice, and were significantly lower than that of nontransgenic littermates (208 +/- 5 mg/dl in fed; 102 +/- 5 mg/dl in fasting state). Plasma lactate concentrations were higher in transgenic mice, (6.5 +/- 0.7 mM in the fed and 5.8 +/- 1.0 mM in fasting state) compared with that of non-transgenic littermates (4.7 +/- 0.3 mM in the fed and 4.2 +/- 0.5 mM in fasting state). In the fed state, the rate of whole body glucose disposal was 70% higher in transgenic mice in the basal state, 81 and 54% higher during submaximal and maximal insulin stimulation. In the fasting state, insulin-stimulated whole body glucose disposal was also higher in the transgenic mice. Hepatic glucose production after an overnight fast was 24.8 +/- 0.7 mg/kg per min in transgenic mice, and 25.4 +/- 2.7 mg/kg per min in nontransgenic mice. Our data demonstrate that overexpression of Glut4 protein in muscle increases basal as well as insulin-stimulated whole body glucose disposal. These results suggest that skeletal muscle glucose transport is rate-limiting for whole body glucose disposal and that the Glut4 protein is a potential target for pharmacological or genetic manipulation for treatment of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Animals↗

GLUT4, AMP kinase, but not the insulin receptor, are required for hepatoportal glucose sensor-stimulated muscle glucose utilization.

Recent evidence suggests the existence of a hepatoportal vein glucose sensor, whose activation leads to enhanced glucose use in skeletal muscle, heart, and brown adipose tissue. The mechanism leading to this increase in whole body glucose clearance is not known, but previous data suggest that it is insulin independent. Here, we sought to further determine the portal sensor signaling pathway by selectively evaluating its dependence on muscle GLUT4, insulin receptor, and the evolutionarily conserved sensor of metabolic stress, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). We demonstrate that the increase in muscle glucose use was suppressed in mice lacking the expression of GLUT4 in the organ muscle. In contrast, glucose use was stimulated normally in mice with muscle-specific inactivation of the insulin receptor gene, confirming independence from insulin-signaling pathways. Most importantly, the muscle glucose use in response to activation of the hepatoportal vein glucose sensor was completely dependent on the activity of AMPK, because enhanced hexose disposal was prevented by expression of a dominant negative AMPK in muscle. These data demonstrate that the portal sensor induces glucose use and development of hypoglycemia independently of insulin action, but by a mechanism that requires activation of the AMPK and the presence of GLUT4.

Adenylate Kinase↗

GLUT4 glucose transporter deficiency increases hepatic lipid production and peripheral lipid utilization.

A critical defect in type 2 diabetes is impaired insulin-stimulated glucose transport and metabolism in muscle and adipocytes. To understand the metabolic adaptations this elicits, we generated mice with targeted disruption of the GLUT4 glucose transporter in both adipocytes and muscle (AMG4KO). In contrast to total body GLUT4-null mice, AMG4KO mice exhibit normal growth, development, adipose mass, and longevity. They develop fasting hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance and are at risk for greater insulin resistance than mice lacking GLUT4 in only one tissue. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies showed a 75% decrease in glucose infusion rate and markedly reduced 2-deoxyglucose uptake into skeletal muscle (85-90%) and white adipose tissue (65%). However, AMG4KO mice adapt by preferentially utilizing lipid fuels, as evidenced by a lower respiratory quotient and increased clearance of lipids from serum after oral lipid gavage. While insulin action on hepatic glucose production and gluconeogenic enzymes is impaired, hepatic glucokinase expression, incorporation of 14C-glucose into lipids, and hepatic VLDL-triglyceride release are increased. The lipogenic activity may be mediated by increased hepatic expression of SREBP-1c and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Thus, inter-tissue communication results in adaptations to impaired glucose transport in muscle and adipocytes that involve increased hepatic glucose uptake and lipid synthesis, while muscle adapts by preferentially utilizing lipid fuels. Genetic determinants limiting this "metabolic flexibility" may contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in humans.

Adipose Tissue↗

Role for a novel signaling intermediate, phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate, in insulin-regulated F-actin stress fiber breakdown and GLUT4 translocation.

The cellular functions and regulation of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 5-phosphate (5-P), the newest addition to the family of phosphoinositides (PIs), are still elusive. Here we have examined a plausible role of PtdIns 5-P as a signaling intermediate in acute insulin action. A wortmannin-insensitive transient increase of PtdIns 5-P mass levels that peaked at 10 min, and declined 20-30 min after insulin stimulation, was observed in both Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-T cells stably expressing the insulin receptor and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Similarly to insulin, found to induce a rapid disassembly of Texas-Red phalloidin-labeled actin stress fibers in CHO-T cells, microinjected PtdIns 5-P, but not other PIs, decreased the number and length of F-actin stress fibers in this cell type to a magnitude seen in response to insulin. Likewise, increases of PtdIns 5-P by ectopic expression of the PtdIns 5-P-producing enzyme PIKfyve yielded a similar effect. As with insulin, the PtdIns 5-P-induced loss of actin stress fibers was independent of PI 3-kinase activation. Furthermore, sequestration of functional PtdIns 5-P, either by ectopic expression of 3xPHD domains that bind selectively PtdIns 5-P or by microinjecting the GST-3xPHD fusion peptide, abrogated insulin-induced F-actin stress fiber disassembly in CHO-T cells. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, microinjected PtdIns 5-P, but not other PIs, partially mimicked insulin's effect of translocating enhanced green fluorescent protein-GLUT4 to the cell surface. Conversely, insulin-induced myc-GLUT4 vesicle dynamics was arrested in the presence of coexpressed enhanced green fluorescent protein-3xPHD. Involvement of PIKfyve membrane recruitment, but not activation, and/or a decrease in PtdIns 4,5-bisphosphate levels are likely to be among the mechanisms underlying the insulin-induced PtdIns 5-P increase. Together, these results identify PtdIns 5-P as a novel key intermediate for insulin signaling in F-actin remodeling and GLUT4 translocation.

3T3-L1 Cells↗

Mechanism of hexosamine-induced insulin resistance in transgenic mice overexpressing glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase: decreased glucose transporter GLUT4 translocation and reversal by treatment with thiazolidinedione.

Hexosamines have been hypothesized to mediate aspects of glucose sensing and toxic effects of hyperglycemia. For example, insulin resistance results when the rate-limiting enzyme for hexosamine synthesis, glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFA), is overexpressed in muscle and adipose tissue of transgenic mice. The glucose infusion rates required to maintain euglycemia at insulin infusion rates of 0.5, 2, 15, and 20 mU/kg x min were 39-90% lower in such transgenic mice, compared with their control littermates (P < or = 0.01). No differences were observed in hepatic glucose output, serum insulin levels, or muscle ATP levels. Uptake of 2-deoxyglucose, measured under conditions of hyperinsulinemia, was significantly lower in transgenic hindlimb muscle, compared with controls (85.9 +/- 17.8 vs. 166.8 +/- 15.1 pmol deoxyglucose/g x min). The decrease in glucose uptake by transgenic muscle was associated with a disruption in the translocation of the insulin-stimulated glucose transporter GLUT4. Fractionation of muscle membranes on a discontinuous sucrose gradient revealed that insulin stimulation of control muscle led to a 28.8% increase in GLUT4 content in the 25% fraction and a 61.2% decrease in the 35% fraction. In transgenic muscle, the insulin-stimulated shifts in GLUT4 distribution were inhibited by over 70%. Treatment of the transgenic animals with the thiazolidinedione troglitazone completely reversed the defect in glucose disposal without changing GFA activity or the levels of uridine 5'-diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine. Overexpression of GFA in skeletal muscle thus leads to defects in glucose transport similar to those seen in type 2 diabetes. These data support the hypothesis that excess glucose metabolism through the hexosamine pathway may be responsible for the diminished insulin sensitivity and defective glucose uptake that are seen with hyperglycemia.

Animals↗