Insulin receptor signaling. Activation of multiple serine kinases

Insulin Resistance as a Link between Amyloid-Beta and Tau Pathologies in Alzheimer's Disease

Current hypotheses and theories regarding the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) heavily implicate brain insulin resistance (IR) as a key factor. Despite the many well-validated metrics for systemic IR, the absence of biomarkers for brain-specific IR represents a translational gap that has hindered its study in living humans. In our lab, we have been working to develop biomarkers that reflect the common mechanisms of brain IR and AD that may be used to follow their engagement by experimental treatments. We present two promising biomarkers for brain IR in AD: insulin cascade mediators probed in extracellular vesicles (EVs) enriched for neuronal origin, and two-dimensional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measures of brain glucose. As further evidence for a fundamental link between brain IR and AD, we provide a novel analysis demonstrating the close spatial correlation between brain expression of genes implicated in IR (using Allen Human Brain Atlas data) and tau and beta-amyloid pathologies. We proceed to propose the bold hypotheses that baseline differences in the metabolic reliance on glycolysis, and the expression of glucose transporters (GLUT) and insulin signaling genes determine the vulnerability of different brain regions to Tau and/or Amyloid beta (Aβ) pathology, and that IR is a critical link between these two pathologies that define AD. Lastly, we provide an overview of ongoing clinical trials that target IR as an angle to treat AD, and suggest how biomarkers may be used to evaluate treatment efficacy and target engagement.

Insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease

The links between systemic insulin resistance (IR), brain-specific IR, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been an extremely productive area of current research. This review will cover the fundamentals and pathways leading to IR, its connection to AD via cellular mechanisms, the most prominent methods and models used to examine it, an introduction to the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a source of biomarkers for IR and AD, and an overview of modern clinical studies on the subject. To provide additional context, we also present a novel analysis of the spatial correlation of gene expression in the brain with the aid of Allen Human Brain Atlas data. Ultimately, examining the relation between IR and AD can be seen as a means of advancing the understanding of both disease states, with IR being a promising target for therapeutic strategies in AD treatment. In conclusion, we highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting brain IR in AD and the main strategies to pursue this goal.

Insulin/glucose infusion successfully resuscitates bupivacaine-induced sudden-onset circulatory collapse in dogs

PURPOSE

In previous studies, insulin reversed the cardiac toxicity gradually induced by a continuous infusion of bupivacaine. In this randomized controlled study, we intended to simulate a more relevant clinical situation by injecting bupivacaine rapidly as a bolus to induce sudden-onset circulatory collapse in dogs. We then evaluated the insulin effect.

METHODS

Bupivacaine (10 mg.kg(-1) iv) was rapidly administered intravenously to 12 dogs. At the onset of circulatory collapse (defined as a mean arterial pressure [MAP] of 30 mmHg), external chest compression was initiated. Insulin (2 U.kg(-1) iv) was given to the insulin-glucose (IG) group (n = 6) and the same volume of 0.9% saline was given to the control (C) group (n = 6). The primary outcome was successful resuscitation defined as both MAP ≥ 60 mmHg and sinus rhythm on an electrocardiogram that lasted ≥ 60 sec. Hemodynamic and blood variables were measured, including cardiac output and electrocardiogram intervals.

RESULTS

All IG dogs were successfully resuscitated within 15 (3) min, whereas none of the control dogs were resuscitated (P = 0.002). After circulatory collapse, the average MAP was higher in group IG than in group C (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Insulin effectively reversed the sudden-onset circulatory collapse in dogs caused by an intravenous bolus injection of bupivacaine.

Insulin enhances post-translational processing of nascent SREBP-1c by promoting its phosphorylation and association with COPII vesicles

The regulation of lipid homeostasis by insulin is mediated in part by the enhanced transcription of the gene encoding SREBP-1c (sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c). Nascent SREBP-1c is synthesized and embedded in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and must be transported to the Golgi in coatomer protein II (COPII) vesicles where two sequential cleavages generate the transcriptionally active NH(2)-terminal fragment, nSREBP-1c. There is limited indirect evidence to suggest that insulin may also regulate the posttranslational processing of the nascent SREBP-1c protein. Therefore, we designed experiments to directly assess the action of insulin on the post-translational processing of epitope-tagged full-length SREBP-1c and SREBP-2 proteins expressed in cultured hepatocytes. We demonstrate that insulin treatment led to enhanced post-translational processing of SREBP-1c, which was associated with phosphorylation of ER-bound nascent SREBP-1c protein that increased affinity of the SREBP-1c cleavage-activating protein (SCAP)-SREBP-1c complex for the Sec23/24 proteins of the COPII vesicles. Furthermore, chemical and molecular inhibitors of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway and its downstream kinase protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt prevented both insulin-mediated phosphorylation of nascent SREBP-1c protein and its posttranslational processing. Insulin had no effect on the proteolysis of nascent SREBP-2 under identical conditions. We also show that in vitro incubation of an active PKB/Akt enzyme with recombinant full-length SREBP-1c led to its phosphorylation. Thus, insulin selectively stimulates the processing of SREBP-1c in rat hepatocytes by enhancing the association between the SCAP-SREBP-1c complex and COPII proteins and subsequent ER to Golgi transport and proteolytic cleavage. This effect of insulin is tightly linked to phosphoinositide 3-kinase and PKB/Akt-dependent serine phosphorylation of the precursor SREBP-1c protein.

Insulin regulates IL-1alpha, Ifn-y and IL-4 release from murine splenocytes stimulated with staphylococcal protein A, toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 and streptococcal lysin S

In this study, changes were investigated in release of IL-1alpha, IFN-gamma and IL-4 from mouse splenocytes stimulated with staphylococcal protein A (SpA), toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) or streptococcal lysin S (SLS) in the presence of insulin. The results show that insulin-treated splenocytes stimulated by SpA had a 25% increase in IFN-gamma release and a 50% decrease in IL-4 compared with splenocytes treated with SpA alone. IL-1alpha release was unchanged compared with controls. Insulintreated splenocytes stimulated with TSST-1 had a 30% fall in IL-1alpha and IFN-gamma release compared with controls. There were no changes in IL-4 release. Splenocytes stimulated with SLS after insulin treatment increased their release of IL-1alpha and IFN-gamma by 50%, whereas IL-4 release was unchanged. The data suggest that the insulin may have important functional implications in immunoregulation.

31P NMR study on the autophosphorylation of insulin receptors in the plasma membrane

A nonradioactive 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy protocol has been developed and used to investigate in vitro autophosphorylation of insulin receptors. Optimum experimental conditions have been explored, and the effects of Mn2+ and phosphocreatine (PCr) on the determination of the phosphorylation reaction have been assayed. The method was used to monitor the time courses of the phosphorylation reaction in solution. The results from this NMR study were in agreement with observations of insulin receptor phosphorylation made by using Western blotting.

Insulin Resistance Due to Phosphorylation of Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 at Serine 302

Inhibitory serine phosphorylation is a potential molecular mechanism for insulin resistance. We have developed a new variant of the yeast two-hybrid method, referred to as disruptive yeast tri-hybrid (Y3H), to identify inhibitory kinases and sites of phosphorylation in insulin receptors (IR) and IR substrates, IRS-1. Using IR and IRS-1 as bait and prey, respectively, and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK1) as the disruptor, we now show that phosphorylation of IRS-1 Ser-307, a previously identified site, is necessary but not sufficient for JNK1-mediated disruption of IR/IRS-1 binding. We further identify a new phosphorylation site, Ser-302, and show that this too is necessary for JNK1-mediated disruption. Seven additional kinases potentially linked to insulin resistance similarly block IR/IRS-1 binding in the disruptive Y3H, but through distinct Ser-302- and Ser-307-independent mechanisms. Phosphospecific antibodies that recognize sequences surrounding Ser(P)-302 or Ser(P)-307 were used to determine whether the sites were phosphorylated under relevant conditions. Phosphorylation was promoted at both sites in Fao hepatoma cells by reagents known to promote Ser/Thr phosphorylation, including the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, anisomycin, calyculin A, and insulin. The antibodies further showed that Ser(P)-302 and Ser(P)-307 are increased in animal models of obesity and insulin resistance, including genetically obese ob/ob mice, diet-induced obesity, and upon induction of hyperinsulinemia. These findings demonstrate that phosphorylation at both Ser-302 and Ser-307 is necessary for JNK1-mediated inhibition of the IR/IRS-1 interaction and that Ser-302 and Ser-307 are phosphorylated in parallel in cultured cells and in vivo under conditions that lead to insulin resistance.

Facilitating an understanding of integrative physiology: emphasis on the composition of body fluid compartments

As a teaching exercise, we used deductive reasoning and a quantitative analysis to convert a number of facts into a series of concepts to facilitate an understanding of integrative physiology and shed light on the composition of the different body fluid compartments. The starting point was the central need to regenerate ATP to perform biologic work. Because a large quantity of O2 must be delivered to cells at a sufficiently high concentration to aid its diffusion into mitochondria, approximately one third of the O2 in inspired air was extracted; this led to a P(CO2) in arterial blood of 40 mmHg (1 mmHg = 133.322 Pa). Blood flow to individual organs must be adjusted precisely to avoid having too low or too high a P(O2) in mitochondria--the latter augments the formation of reactive O2 species. The extracellular fluid (ECF) bicarbonate concentration (E(HCO3)) must be high to minimize H+ buffering by proteins. This high E(HCO3) sets the ECF concentrations of ionized calcium (Ca2+) and inorganic phosphate (HPO4(2-)) because of solubility issues. Three features defined the intracellular fluid (ICF) volume and composition. First, expelling monovalent anions minimized its mass (volume). Second, controlling the tissue P(CO2) ensured a relatively constant net valence on intracellular proteins. Third, the range of ICF Ca2+ concentrations must both induce regulatory signals and avoid Ca3(PO4)2 formation. All the above were incorporated into the integrated response that optimized the capacity for vigorous exercise.

Effects of endothelin-1 and nitric oxide on glucokinase activity in isolated rat hepatocytes

To test the hypothesis that endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) influence glucokinase (GK) activity in an opposite manner, we evaluated the effects of ET-1, L-NAME, an inhibitor of NO synthase, and L-arginine, a substrate for NO synthase, on GK activity and glycogen content in isolated rat hepatocytes. Moreover, to understand the receptor involved in the process, the effects of BQ 788, a specific antagonist of ETB receptor, and PD 142893, an antagonist of ETA-ETB receptors, were also evaluated. GK activity, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and glycogen intracellular content were measured on isolated hepatocytes, while glucose levels and NO as NO2-/NO3- were determined in the medium. High ET-1 levels induced a 20% decrease of NO2-/NO3- levels and cGMP intracellular content, followed by a 49% reduction of GK activity and a 15% decrease of glycogen. In parallel, a 10% increase of glucose in the medium was observed. In the presence of L-NAME, GK activity and glycogen levels showed analogous decrements as observed with ET-1. Also in this case, a significant decrease of the intracellular content of cGMP was observed. No synergistic effects of ET-1 and L-NAME were observed. L-Arginine was able to counteract the inhibitory effect of ET-1 on cGMP and GK activity. Glycogen content was slightly but not significantly reduced, and under those conditions, a significant decrease of glucose in the medium was observed. When hepatocytes were incubated with ET-1 plus BQ 788 or ET-1 plus PD 142893, GK activity was unchanged. Interestingly, no changes were observed in NO2-/NO3- levels and the intracellular content of cGMP was not modified when the antagonists of ET-1 receptors were added to the medium. In conclusion, the present study shows that the NO pathway seems to be an important regulator of GK activity and glycogen content through cGMP activity. In addition, ET-1 seems to be not active per se, but its activity seems mediated by a simultaneous decrease of NO levels.

The protein kinase C pseudosubstrate peptide (PKC19-36) inhibits insulin-stimulated protein kinase activity and insulin-mediated translocation of the glucose transporter glut 4 in streptolysin-O permeabilized adipocytes

The effect of insulin on protein kinase activity and plasma membrane translocation of the glucose transporter GLUT 4 has been studied in adipocytes permeabilized by Streptolysin-O. Insulin increased protein kinase activity, and this was completely inhibited by the PKC pseudosubstrate inhibitor peptide (PKC19-36). Insulin-mediated translocation of GLUT 4 was also inhibited by the PKC inhibitor peptide. Both these insulin effects were blocked by a PKCbeta neutralizing antibody. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that insulin activates PKCbeta activity in adipocytes in situ, and that this PKC activation is a component of the system whereby insulin regulates translocation of GLUT 4 to the plasma membrane.

Insulin internalization and other signaling pathways in the pleiotropic effects of insulin

Insulin is the major anabolic hormone in humans and affects multiple cellular processes. Insulin rapidly regulates short-term effects on carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism and is also a potent growth factor controlling cell proliferation and differentiation. The metabolic and growth-related effects require insulin binding to its receptor and receptor phosphorylation. Evidence suggests these events result in subsequent substrate phosphorylation and activation of multiple signaling pathways involving Src homology domain-containing proteins and the internalization of the insulin:receptor complex. The role of insulin internalization in insulin action is largely speculative. For more than two decades, extensive investigation has been carried out by numerous laboratories of the mechanisms by which insulin causes its pleiotropic responses and the cellular processing of insulin receptors. This chapter reviews our current knowledge of the phosphorylation signaling pathways activated by insulin and presents evidence that substrates other than insulin receptor substrate-1 are involved in insulin's regulation of immediate-early gene expression. We also review the mechanisms involved in insulin internalization and present evidence that internalization may play a key role in insulin action through both signal transduction processes and translocation of insulin to the cell cytoplasm and nucleus.

Jun N-terminal kinase mediates activation of skeletal muscle glycogen synthase by insulin in vivo

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) represent a conserved family of Ser/Thr protein kinases with central roles in intracellular signaling. Activation of three prominent members of the MAPK family, i.e. extracellular response kinases (ERK), jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38, was defined in vivo in order to establish their role, if any, in the cardinal response of skeletal muscle to insulin, the activation of glycogen synthesis. Insulin was found to activate ERK, JNK, and p38 in skeletal muscle. The time courses for activation of the three MAPKs by insulin, however, are distinctly different. Activation of JNK occurs most rapidly, within seconds. Activation of p38 by insulin follows that of JNK, within minutes. Activation of ERK occurs last, 4 min after administration of insulin. The temporal relationship between the activation of ERK, JNK, p38 and the downstream elements p90(rsk) and PP-1 in vivo suggest that JNK, but neither ERK nor p38 MAPKs, mediates insulin activation of glycogen synthase in vivo. Activation of JNK by anisomycin in vivo mimics activation of glycogen synthase by insulin. Challenge by anisomycin and insulin, in combination, are not additive, suggesting a common mode of glycogen synthase activation. The p90(rsk) isoform rapidly activated by insulin is identified as RSK3. In addition, RSK3 can be activated by JNK in vitro. Based upon these data a signal linkage map for activation of glycogen synthase in vivo in skeletal muscle can be constructed in which JNK mediates activation of glycogen synthase via RSK3.

Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C: studies on synthetic substrates, inhibitors and a synthetic enzyme

Enzyme inhibition studies on phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) from B. Cereus were performed in order to gain an understanding of the mechanism of the PI-PLC family of enzymes and to aid inhibitor design. Inhibition studies on two synthetic cyclic phosphonate analogues (1,2) of inositol cyclic-1:2-monophosphate (cIP), glycerol-2-phosphate and vanadate were performed using natural phosphatidylinositol (PI) substrate in Triton X100 co-micelles and an NMR assay. Further inhibition studies on PI-PLC from B. Cereus were performed using a chromogenic, synthetic PI analogue (DPG-PI), an HPLC assay and Aerosol-OT (AOT), phytic acid and vanadate as inhibitors. For purposes of comparison, a model PI-PLC enzyme system was developed employing a synthetic Cu(II)-metallomicelle and a further synthetic PI analogue (IPP-PI). The studies employing natural PI substrate in Triton X100 co-micelles and synthetic DPG-PI in the absence of surfactant indicate three classes of PI-PLC inhibitors: (1) active-site directed inhibitors (e.g. 1,2); (2) water-soluble polyanions (e.g. tetravanadate, phytic acid); (3) surfactant anions (e.g. AOT). Three modes of molecular recognition are indicated to be important: (1) active site molecular recognition; (2) recognition at an anion-recognition site which may be the active site, and; (3) interfacial (or hydrophobic) recognition which may be exploited to increase affinity for the anion-recognition site in anionic surfactants such as AOT. The most potent inhibition of PI-PLC was observed by tetravanadate and AOT. The metallomicelle model system was observed to mimic PI-PLC in reproducing transesterification of the PI analogue substrate to yield cIP as product and in showing inhibition by phytic acid and AOT.

Insulin stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, p90rsk, and p70 S6 kinase in skeletal muscle of normal and insulin-resistant mice. Implications for the regulation of glycogen synthase

Skeletal muscles from mice stimulated with insulin in vivo were used to evaluate relationships between the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase, mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, p90rsk, p70 S6 kinase (p70S6k), and glycogen synthase. Two models of insulin resistance were also evaluated: (a) transgenic mice with a severe insulin receptor defect and (b) gold thioglucose (GTG) mice (obesity with minimal insulin receptor dysfunction). In normal mice, insulin stimulated MAP kinase (6-fold), p90rsk (RSK2, 5-fold), p70S6k (10-fold), and glycogen synthase (30-50% increase in fractional velocity). In transgenic mice, stimulation of MAP kinase and RSK2 were not detectable, whereas activation of p70S6k and glycogen synthase were preserved. In GTG mice, activation of MAP kinase, RSK2, p70S6k, and glycogen synthase were impaired. Since p70S6k and glycogen synthase were correlated, rapamycin was used to block p70S6k, and glycogen synthase activation was unaffected in normal mice; however, it was partially impaired in transgenic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

(a) stimulation of p70S6k and glycogen synthase are selectively preserved in muscles with a severe insulin receptor kinase defect, indicating signal amplification in pathways leading to these effects; (b) MAP kinase-RSK2 and p70S6k activation are impaired in obese mice, suggesting multiple loci for postreceptor insulin resistance; (c) glycogen synthase was dissociated from MAP kinase and RSK2, indicating that they are not required for this effect of insulin; and (d) p70S6k is not essential for glycogen synthase activation, but it may participate in redundant signaling pathways leading to this effect of insulin.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibition does not block the stimulation of glucose utilization by insulin

Insulin stimulates the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) via its upstream activator, MAPK kinase (MEK), a dual specificity kinase that phosphorylates MAPK on threonine and tyrosine. The potential role of MAPK activation in insulin action was investigated with the specific MEK inhibitor PD98059. Insulin stimulation of MAPK activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes (2.7-fold) and L6 myotubes (1.4-fold) was completely abolished by pretreatment of cells with the MEK inhibitor, as was the phosphorylation of MAPK and pp90Rsk, and the transcriptional activation of c-fos. Insulin receptor autophosphorylation on tyrosine residues and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase were unaffected. Pretreatment of cells with PD98059 had no effect on basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, lipogenesis, and glycogen synthesis. Glycogen synthase activity in extracts from 3T3-L1 adipocytes and L6 myotubes was increased 3-fold and 1.7-fold, respectively, by insulin. Pretreatment with 10 microM PD98059 was without effect. Similarly, the 2-fold activation of protein phosphatase 1 by insulin was insensitive to PD98059. These results indicate that stimulation of the MAPK pathway by insulin is not required for many of the metabolic activities of the hormone in cultured fat and muscle cells.

Divergent functional roles for p90rsk kinase domains

A unique and highly conserved structural feature of approximately 90-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p90rsk or RSK) is the presence of two non-identical kinase domains. To explore the mechanism of RSK activation, a cloned human RSK cDNA (RSK3) was used to generate and characterize several site-directed RSK mutants; K91A (N-Lys, NH2-terminal ATP-binding mutant), K444A (C-Lys, COOH-terminal ATP-binding mutant), N/C-Lys (double ATP-binding mutant) T570A (C-Thr, mutant of the putative MAPK phosphorylation site in subdomain VIII of the C-domain), S218A (N-Ser, mutant of the corresponding NH2-terminal residue). Epitope-tagged RSKs were expressed in transfected COS cells followed by immunoprecipitation with or without prior in vivo epidermal growth factor stimulation. Kinase activity (S6 peptide) of N/C-Lys and N-Lys was ablated (and partially impaired with N-Ser). In contrast, both C-Lys and C-Thr retained high levels of kinase activity and were capable of responding to stimulation. C-Lys also retained partial kinase activity toward other substrates (c-Fos, S40 ribosomes, protein phosphatase 1 G-subunit, histones, and Leu-Arg-Arg-Ala-Ser-Leu-Gly (Kemptide)) whereas N-Lys did not. The isolated NH2-and COOH-terminal domains were also expressed; the C-domain was inactive, whereas the N-domain retained partial activity. Relative to wild-type, both N-Lys and C-Lys (as well as N-Ser and C-Thr) underwent partial in vitro autophosphorylation that was further stimulated by EGF protein tyrosine phosphatase. We conclude that 1) the NH2-terminal RSK kinase domain mediates substrate phosphorylation; 2) both domains contribute to autophosphorylation; 3) the putative MAPK phosphorylation site is not required for growth factor-stimulated autophosphorylation or kinase activation.

Insulin action on cardiac glucose transport: studies on the role of protein kinase C

Isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes from adult rat have been used to elucidate a possible relationship between protein kinase C (PKC) and the stimulatory action of insulin on cardiac glucose transport. Cells were incubated in the presence of either insulin or phospholipase C from Clostridium perfringens (PLC-Cp) and intracellular sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) levels and initial rates of 3-O-methylglucose transport were determined. Insulin had no effect on the DAG mass level, whereas it was elevated by PLC-Cp to 200% of control. Under these conditions the hormone produced a 2.7-fold stimulation of glucose transport with no significant effect of PLC-Cp. Insulin was unable to produce a redistribution of PKC, whereas phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) increased membrane associated PKC twofold. The PKC inhibitors tamoxifen and staurosporine did not interfere with glucose transport stimulation by insulin. Furthermore, cells treated with PMA exhibited unaltered basal and maximally insulin stimulated rates of glucose transport. In contrast, at physiological concentrations of insulin the stimulatory action of the hormone was significantly reduced. We conclude from our data that PKC is not involved in insulin action on cardiac glucose transport. However, activation of this enzyme may lead to a modified insulin sensitivity of the cardiac cell.

A new type of Ca(2+)-dependent, Mg(2+)-stimulated ATPase of rat liver plasma membrane

Incubation of a glycoprotein fraction obtained from rat liver plasma membrane which has been previously well characterized using [gamma-32P]ATP results in the phosphorylation of a 230-kDa glycoprotein (pgp230). It is composed of a 120-kDa subunit (pgp120) and a 110-kDa subunit (pgp110) linked by interchain disulfide bonds. Peptide maps of pgp120 and pgp110 suggest extensive similarity in their polypeptide chains. Glycan analysis reveals between four and six hybrid-type oligosaccharide chains for both phosphoproteins. Immunoblotting using monoclonal antibodies and endoglycosidase digestion exclude an identity of pgp120 or pgp110 with the hepatocyte plasma membrane glycoproteins dipeptidylpeptidase IV or the taurocholate transport protein, which co-purify and co-migrate in SDS/PAGE. Protein phosphorylation is Ca(2+)-dependent (K0.5(Ca2+) = 0.35 microM, in the absence of Mg2+). In the presence of Mg2+, the glycoprotein undergoes rapid cycles of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, resulting in ATPase activity. Analysis of phosphorylated amino acids identifies phosphothreonine as the major one. Photoaffinity labeling with 8-azido-[alpha-32P]ATP demonstrates the presence of one or more ATP binding site(s). Preincubation of pgp230 with various purine or pyrimidine nucleotides (ATP, UTP, TTP, ADP, GDP, AMP, CMP) or known P2-purinoceptor agonists or antagonists (adenosine 5'-[alpha,beta-methylene]triphosphate, 2-methyl-thio-adenosine 5'-triphosphate, suramin) inhibits its phosphorylation by [gamma-32P]ATP. The biological function of pgp230 is unknown at present. Several findings of the present study are compatible with the idea that pgp230 may be involved in a P2-purinoceptor function of the hepatocyte. Following this concept, a mechanism is discussed where a cytosolically exposed high-affinity Ca(2+)-binding site of pgp230 would allow for receptor feedback control, via phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, by sensing changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration.

Insulin regulation of triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein synthesis and secretion

This review has considered a number of observations obtained from studies of insulin in perfused liver, hepatocytes, transformed liver cells and in vivo and each of the experimental systems offers advantages. The evaluation of insulin effects on component lipid synthesis suggests that overall, lipid synthesis is positively influenced by insulin. Short-term high levels of insulin through stimulation of intracellular degradation of freshly translated apo B and effects on synthesis limit the ability of hepatocytes to form and secrete TRL. The intracellular site of apo B degradation may involve membrane-bound apo B, cytoplasmic apo B and apo B which has entered the ER lumen. How insulin favors intracellular apo B degradation is not known. An area of recent investigation is in insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of intracellular substrates such as IRS-1 which activates insulin specific cellular signaling molecules [245]. Candidate molecules to study insulin action on apo B include IRS-1 and SH2-containing signaling molecules. Insulin dysregulation in carbohydrate metabolism occurs in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus due to an imbalance between insulin sensitivity of tissue and pancreatic insulin secretion (reviewed in Refs. [307,308]). Insulin resistance in the liver results in the inability to suppress hepatic glucose production; in muscle, in impaired glucose uptake and oxidation and in adipose tissue, in the inability to suppress release of free FA. This lack of appropriate sensitivity towards insulin action leads to hyperglycemia which in turn stimulates compensatory insulin secretion by the pancreas leading to hyperinsulinemia. Ultimately, there may be failure of the pancreas to fully compensate, hyperglycemia worsens and diabetes develops. The etiology of insulin resistance is being intensively studied for the primary defect may be over secretion of insulin by the pancreas or tissue insulin resistance and both of these defects may be genetically predetermined. We suggest that, in addition to effects in carbohydrate metabolism, insulin resistance in liver results in the inability of first phase insulin to suppress hepatic TRL production which results in hypertriglyceridemia leading to high levels of plasma FA which accentuate insulin resistance in other target organs. As recently reviewed [17,254] the role of insulin as a stimulator of hepatic lipogenesis and TRL production has been long established. Several lines of evidence support that insulin is stimulatory to the production of hepatic TRL in vivo. First, population based studies support a positive relationship between plasma insulin and total TG and VLDL [253]. Second, there is a strong association between chronic hyperinsulinemia and VLDL overproduction [309].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Insulin receptor mutation at tyrosines 1162 and 1163 alters both receptor serine phosphorylation and desensitization

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing human insulin receptor (hIR) of the wild-type (CHO R) or hIR mutated at tyrosines 1162 and 1163 (CHO Y2) were compared for agonist-induced receptor phosphorylation of serine/threonine residues and receptor desensitization. Relative to CHO R cells, CHO Y2 cells exhibited a marked decrease in their response to insulin and 4 beta-phorbol 12 beta-myristate 13 alpha-acetate (PMA) for hIR phosphorylation on serine residues. Moreover, the tyr1162,1163 mutant hIR could not be normally phosphorylated by purified protein kinase C (PKC) in vitro. Finally, in contrast to CHO R cells, CHO Y2 cells were refractory to PMA-induced IR desensitization for subsequent activation by insulin of exogenous tyrosine kinase and glycogen synthesis. These results strongly suggest that the replacement of tyrosines 1162 and 1163 by phenylalanine residues changes the IR beta-subunit conformation and thus impedes phosphorylation of the IR at crucial serine residues and prevents PMA-induced desensitization. This supports the hypothesis that IR serine phosphorylation and desensitization are related.

A dynamic system for suppression and re-expression of insulin and pervanadate bioresponses in rat adipocytes. Treatment with okadaic acid and staurosporine

In previous studies, we demonstrated that while okadaic acid stimulates glucose metabolism, it suppresses the bioresponses of insulin itself in rat adipocytes (Shisheva and Shechter, Endocrinology 129: 2279-2288, 1991). Both stimulation and suppression were attributed to okadaic acid-dependent inhibition of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A. We report here that exposure of adipocytes to staurosporine prior to okadaic acid restored insulin-stimulated actions on glucose metabolism. The effect was half-maximal at staurosporine concentrations as low as 70 nM and was fully expressed (80-87% of the control) at 400-500 nM. Similarly, the insulin-like effect of pervanadate, which was also suppressed by okadaic acid, was restored completely with staurosporine pretreatment. Staurosporine was less effective in restoring cell responses inhibited by high concentrations of okadaic acid, or when added to the cells after okadaic acid. Cell resensitization was unique to staurosporine and could not be produced by various agents that reduce cellular protein kinase A- or protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation, such as phenylisopropyl adenosine (PIA), K-252a and GF 109203X. Staurosporine (400 nM) partially reversed lipolysis induced by okadaic acid but not that induced by beta-adrenergic stimulation. PIA, which antagonized okadaic acid-induced lipolysis to the same extent as staurosporine, was not capable of restoring insulin responses. Further studies aimed at elucidating this reversing effect revealed that staurosporine did not reactivate okadaic acid-inhibited protein phosphatases 1 and 2A in both cellular and cell-free systems. In summary, we report here a unique dynamic system in which insulin and pervanadate bioeffects can be fully suppressed and again re-expressed without reactivation of protein phosphatase 1 or 2A. The precise site for both effects, although still obscure, appears to be downstream from autophosphorylated insulin receptor.

The insulin receptor: structure, function, and signaling

The insulin receptor is a member of the ligand-activated receptor and tyrosine kinase family of transmembrane signaling proteins that collectively are fundamentally important regulators of cell differentiation, growth, and metabolism. The insulin receptor has a number of unique physiological and biochemical properties that distinguish it from other members of this large well-studied receptor family. The main physiological role of the insulin receptor appears to be metabolic regulation, whereas all other receptor tyrosine kinases are engaged in regulating cell growth and/or differentiation. Receptor tyrosine kinases are allosterically regulated by their cognate ligands and function as dimers. In all cases but the insulin receptor (and 2 closely related receptors), these dimers are noncovalent, but insulin receptors are covalently maintained as functional dimers by disulfide bonds. The initial response to the ligand is receptor autophosphorylation for all receptor tyrosine kinases. In most cases, this results in receptor association of effector molecules that have unique recognition domains for phosphotyrosine residues and whose binding to these results in a biological response. For the insulin receptor, this does not occur; rather, it phosphorylates a large substrate protein that, in turn, engages effector molecules. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed in this review. The chemistry of insulin is very well characterized because of possible therapeutic interventions in diabetes using insulin derivatives. This has allowed the synthesis of many insulin derivatives, and we review our recent exploitation of one such derivative to understand the biochemistry of the interaction of this ligand with the receptor and to dissect the complicated steps of ligand-induced insulin receptor autophosphorylation. We note possible future directions in the study of the insulin receptor and its intracellular signaling pathway(s).

Rab4 is phosphorylated by the insulin-activated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase ERK1

Rab4, a low-molecular-mass GTP-binding protein, is associated with vesicles containing Glut 4 in adipocytes. Following insulin stimulation, the translocation of Glut 4 to the plasma membrane is associated with the movement of Rab4 to the cytosol. The same modifications are induced by the phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid. To establish a possible role for phosphorylation in Rab4 cycling, we searched for insulin-stimulated cytosolic kinase(s) which could phosphorylate Rab4. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, insulin induced a rapid and transient activation of cytosolic kinase(s), which phosphorylated Rab4 in vitro. At least part of the Rab4 phosphorylation can be accounted for by ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinases) since immunopurified ERK1 from insulin-stimulated cells phosphorylated Rab4 with a comparable time-course. Both with cytosolic extracts and immunopurified ERK1, only serine residues were phosphorylated on Rab4. The phosphorylation site was localized in the C-terminus of the molecule, and occurred very probably on Ser196. These results indicate that Rab4 is an in vitro substrate for ERK, and suggest that the insulin-induced movement of Rab4 from the Glut-4-containing vesicles to the cytosol could result from phosphorylation of Rab4 by ERK.

The insulin receptor: a protein kinase with dual specificity?

We have studied serine phosphorylation of the beta-subunit of highly purified human placental insulin receptors. Each purification step was analyzed with respect to phosphotyrosine and phosphoserine content, incorporated in the beta-subunit of the insulin receptor. Independent of the purification state the analysis of the phosphoamino acids of the insulin receptor beta-subunit showed tyrosine and serine phosphorylation in an insulin dependent manner. In the presence of insulin up to seven phosphates per alpha beta-half receptor, indicating a ratio of Tyr(P) and Ser(P) of approximate 3:1 were incorporated, while in the absence of the hormone this ratio did not exceed 1:10. Comparison of the phosphorylation reactions on tyrosine and serine residues makes it highly probable that both phosphoryltransfer reactions obey the same hormone dependence. Half maximal incorporation of total phosphate in the receptor protein was about 5 minutes in contrast to the half maximal serine phosphorylation of about 8 minutes. Our data corroborate that autophosphorylation of serine residues is an intrinsic activity of the receptor kinase itself suggesting a dual-specificity type protein kinase.

Insulinlike growth factors and binding proteins in colon cancer

Insulinlike growth factors (IGFs) express anabolic and mitogenic activity on wide variety of cells. Besides endocrine effects, IGFs have major autocrine and paracrine effects on many cellular functions. Two factors that significantly affect the extent of cellular response to IGFs include the membrane receptors for IGFs and the soluble binding proteins (BPs), which modulate the action of IGFs at the receptor level. IGFs, IGF receptors, and IGFs and their BPs (IGF-BPs) thus constitute three components of the IGF system. A role of IGFs in the transformation and proliferation of cancer cells has become increasingly evident in the past few years. Studies from several laboratories show that all three components of the IGF system may play an important role in the proliferation of colon cancers. It was recently shown that the relative expression of IGFs and IGF/BPs may critically control the metastatic potential of colon cancers. The purpose of this article is to summarize our current knowledge of the IGF system and to present support for a significant role of IGFs in the initiation and growth of colon cancers. The expression and structural aspects of IGFs, their receptors, and BPs are outlined first, followed by a discussion of the role of IGFs in gastrointestinal functions and in colon cancers.

Homozygous deletion of the human insulin receptor gene results in leprechaunism

Homozygous inactivation of a gene, as is frequently performed to generate mouse models, provides an opportunity to elucidate the role that the gene plays in normal physiology. However, studies of human disease provide direct insight into the effect of inactivating mutations in man. In this investigation, we have identified a one year-old boy from a consanguineous pedigree who is homozygous for deletion of the insulin receptor gene resulting in leprechaunism. Contrary to previous predictions, the complete deletion of the insulin receptor gene is compatible with life.

Action of the diabetogenic drug streptozotocin on glycolytic and glycogenolytic metabolism in adult rat brain cortex and hippocampus

In sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD), a number of metabolic alterations to the brain have been observed soon after the onset of the initial clinical symptoms. In particular, impairments of glucose utilization and related metabolic pathways are prominent and well-established findings in incipient AD, resembling metabolic abnormalities such as have been found in noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. To mimic these abnormalities, we administered an intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to rats and studied the effects of glucose and glycogen metabolism in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus compared with controls. The enzymatic activities studied dropped significantly by 10-30% in brain cortex (cort.) and hippocampus (hc) 3 and 6 weeks after icv STZ injection: hexokinase (15% 3 weeks cort.; 14% 6 weeks cort.; 12% 3 weeks hc; 28% 6 weeks hc), phosphofructokinase (15%; 15%; 24%; 15%), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (10%; 12%; 30%; 19%), pyruvate kinase (22%; 13%; 22%; 28%), glucose-6-phosphatase (10%; 23%; 14%; 19%) and phosphorylase a (22%; 11%; 30%; 15%). The content of glycogen was significantly higher in STZ-treated rats than in control animals (7% 3 weeks and 15% 6 weeks in cortex). In contrast to the reduced enzymatic activities, we observed no changes in the concentrations of the glycolytic intermediates glucose, glucose-6-phosphate, fructose-6-phosphate, fructose-1,6-diphosphate, pyruvate, lactate and glucose-1-phosphate. These data clearly indicate reduced glycolytic enzyme activity after icv administration of STZ and suggest gluconeogenesis consequent on abnormalities in glucose breakdown. This model may thus be assumed to be a useful tool to investigate pathogenetic factors involved in sporadic dementia of Alzheimer type.

The mechanism of insulin action

Insulin was isolated over 70 years ago, but the intracellular transduction of the insulin signal has not been elucidated. Significant progress has been made, particularly in the last 10 years, with the characterization of the insulin receptor and its intrinsic tyrosine kinase. However, no mechanism has been proposed that accounts for all the actions of insulin. Furthermore, all the mechanisms discussed in this brief overview contain major inadequacies. Despite these gaps in our knowledge, substantial evidence indicates that receptor tyrosine kinase activity is essential for insulin action and multiple pathways almost certainly participate. Hopefully, continued dissection of the signalling pathways will soon yield the mechanism of insulin action.

Some non-traditional aspects on the regulation of glucose assimilation in the small intestine

1. The aim of this work was to give a new interpretation on the participation of several food factors in carbohydrate assimilation and metabolism regulation in the organism. 2. The main attention is paid to the probable role of vitamins A and D in these processes in enterocytes. 3. The importance of vitamins A and D and the minerals Zn and Ca has been considered in the regulation of insulin activity and glucose transport in these cells. 4. The views expressed in this paper are based on our own research results and analysis of data in the present literature.

Plasma membrane p180, which insulin receptor phosphorylates in vivo, is not a tyrosine kinase

The earliest substrates to the transmembrane insulin receptor tyrosine kinase, that would function in insulin signalling, are likely to be associated with the plasma membrane. Rat liver plasma membrane 180,000 M(r) protein (p180) is a substrate to the insulin receptor in vitro [Goren et al. (1990) Cellular Signalling 2, 537-555]. The question as to whether p180 is a substrate in vivo was addressed. Half ml 0.9% NaCl or 500 micrograms insulin was injected into rat livers. Purified plasma membrane glycoproteins from the livers were assayed for in vitro phosphorylation reaction products and endogenous tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. Membranes from insulin-injected rat livers contained phosphorylated p180 and phosphorylated insulin receptor beta-subunit, whereas saline-injected rat liver membranes contained neither. These data suggested that p180 is an in vivo substrate to the insulin receptor. In vitro p180 is tyrosine-phosphorylated in the absence of insulin. p180, therefore, may be the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor or another tyrosine kinase that could be part of a phosphorylation cascade initiated by insulin. Two different experiments suggested that p180 is not the EGF receptor: (i) two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (first dimension--non-equilibrium pH-gradient gel electrophoresis) indicated that p180 is a more basic glycoprotein than EGF receptor; and (ii) based on reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography, the tryptic-phosphopeptides of carboxymethyl-Sepharose-purified phosphorylated-p180 were different from those of A431 cell phosphorylated-EGF receptor. Similarly, two different experiments demonstrated that p180 is not a tyrosine kinase: (i) gel-permeation chromatography separated the insulin receptor from p180 and only insulin receptor was autophosphorylated in vitro; and (ii) membrane proteins not bound to immobilized ATP contained p180. Thus, p180 can associate with the insulin receptor and be phosphorylated in vitro and in vivo; however, p180 does not function in an insulin receptor-mediated phosphorylation cascade.

Primary sites of actions of staurosporine and H-7 in the cascade of insulin action to glucose transport in rat adipocytes

The insulin-stimulated glucose transporter in rat adipocytes was inhibited by two protein kinase inhibitors, staurosporine (SSP) and H-7 (1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine). However, whereas SSP (10 microM) blocked the insulin-dependent translocation of glucose transporter, H-7 (3 mM) did not. The latter inhibited glucose transporter activity not only in cells, but also in reconstituted liposomes. On the other hand, SSP blocked both the action of insulin and the insulinomimetic action of GTP gamma S (Guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)). GTP gamma S had distinct effects on the glucose transport and cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activities. It is suggest that H-7 may inhibit glucose transport activity per se; a SSP sensitive protein kinases (protein kinase C isoforms?) may be involved in cascade of the insulin action on glucose transporter as modulated by GTP gamma S; and glucose transport and PDE activities may be regulated by distinct GTP gamma S-sensitive factors.

Identification of a new family of human epithelial protein kinases containing two leucine/isoleucine-zipper domains

Using the polymerase chain reaction to study mRNA expressed in human epithelial tumor cells, a member of a new family of protein kinases was identified. The catalytic domain of this kinase has amino-acid-sequence similarity to both the Tyr-specific and the Ser/Thr-specific kinase classes. Clones representing two members of this new family have been isolated from a human colonic epithelial cDNA library and sequenced. The predicted amino-acid sequences of these clones reveal that, in addition to the unusual nature of their kinase catalytic domains, they contain two Leu/Ile-zipper motifs and a basic sequence, near their C-termini. As they possess domains associated with proteins from two distinct functional groups, these kinases have been named mixed-lineage kinases (MLK) 1 and 2. mRNA from MLK1 has been found to be expressed in epithelial tumor cell lines of colonic, breast and esophageal origin. The MLK1 gene has been mapped to human chromosome 14q24.3-31.

Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies affecting signal transduction

Monoclonal antibodies prepared against tyrosine phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were tested for their effects on transmembrane signal transduction in A431 tumor cells. Monoclonal antibodies (mab) defined by SDS-sensitive epitopes, i.e., epitopes with conformational specificity, were most effective. Mab 5-125 reacting with a site of the extracellular EGFR domain blocked EGF-binding and cell proliferation in vitro, as well as tumor growth in vivo. However, this mab appeared not to be internalized upon binding to EGFR and did not trigger EGFR autophosphorylation. In contrast, mab 5-D43, also defined by an SDS-sensitive epitope and reacting with an extracellular EGFR site, did not block EGF binding but was readily internalized after binding to EGFR of untreated A431 cells. This mab induced EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation in cell lysates and tyrosine-specific autophosphorylation of insolubilized EGFR immune complexes. Cell growth in vitro was greatly stimulated in the presence of mab 5-D43. Since interaction of mab 5-D43 with EGFR induced most EGF-specific functions, although it did not bind to the EGF-specific site of EGFR, we have to assume that binding of mab 5-D43 to EGFR induced a conformational shift that activated the cytoplasmic EGFR kinase site. On the other hand, activation and/or accessibility of the EGFR kinase site could be blocked by mab 1-594, which is defined by an SDS-insensitive protein epitope of the cytoplasmic EGFR domain. Blocking of the EGFR kinase site by mab 1-594 also abolished EGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of endogenous cellular substrates with molecular masses of 145, 97, 85, 37, and 32 kDa, as well as of exogenous substrates such as GAT copolymer.

Nicotinic agonists, phorbol esters, and growth factors activate two extracellular signal-regulated kinases, ERK1 and ERK2, in bovine chromaffin cells

Treatment of bovine chromaffin cells with nicotinic agonists, phorbol esters, and growth factors increases protein kinase activity toward microtubule-associated protein-2 and myelin basic protein (MBP) in vitro. To characterize the kinases that are activated by these agents, we separated chromaffin cell proteins by electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels into which MBP had been incorporated, allowed the proteins to renature, and then assayed MBP kinase activity by incubating the gels with [gamma-32P]ATP. Chromaffin cells contain a family of kinases that phosphorylate MBP in vitro. Two of these kinases, of M(r) 46,000 and 42,000 (PK46 and PK42), were activated by treatment of the cells with dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP), phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), or insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Activation of PK46 and PK42 by DMPP was dependent on extracellular Ca2+, whereas the effects of PDBu and IGF-I were Ca2+ independent. Down-regulation of protein kinase C by incubation of the cells with PDBu abolished the activation of PK46 and PK42 by DMPP, PDBu, and IGF-I. Staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, prevented the activation of PK46 and PK42 by DMPP and PDBu but did not block the activation of these kinases by IGF-I. Immunoblotting experiments with antiphosphotyrosine (anti-PTyr) antibodies demonstrated that agents that increased the kinase activities of PK46 and PK42 also increased the apparent PTyr content of M(r) 46,000 and 42,000 proteins. PK46 and PK42 comigrated with proteins that reacted with antibodies against extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). Thus, PK46 and PK42 appear to be the bovine homologues of ERK1 and ERK2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Insulin signalling and regulation of glucokinase gene expression in cultured hepatocytes

In cultured rat hepatocytes, transcription of the glucokinase gene is turned on by insulin and turned off by glucagon/cAMP, the latter being the dominant effector system. It is thus possible that in the absence of hormones the gene is maintained in a repressed state by the basal level of cAMP and that insulin turns on transcription by relieving cAMP repression, for instance via activation of a cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase. Three inhibitors of this class of enzymes were tested for their effect on the insulin-dependent induction of the glucokinase gene in hepatocytes. Isobutyl methylxanthine, the prototype inhibitor, abrogated the gene response to insulin, as shown by run-on transcription assay. Among the drugs investigated, Ly186126, a preferential inhibitor of type-III phosphodiesterase, proved the most potent in inhibiting insulin-induced accumulation of glucokinase mRNA. Type-III phosphodiesterase is inhibited by cGMP. Induction of glucokinase mRNA was prevented in hepatocytes challenged with insulin in presence of 8-bromoguanosine-3',5'-phosphate. These results are consistent with the involvement of type-III phosphodiesterase in transduction of the insulin signal to the glucokinase gene. However, we were unable to detect significant decreases in total cellular cAMP level or cAMP-dependent-protein-kinase ratio after the addition of insulin to hepatocytes. Many effects of glucagon are mediated via cAMP-dependent protein-kinase phosphorylation of regulatory proteins and, conversely, insulin effects are often accompanied by protein dephosphorylation. A specific inhibitor of protein phosphatases PP1 and PP2A, okadaic acid, was shown to abolish the transcriptional response of the glucokinase gene to insulin. Thus, interference of insulin with the cAMP signal transduction pathway at several steps may be a critical aspect of insulin action on hepatic glucokinase gene expression. In addition, insulin induction of glucokinase mRNA was suppressed by inhibitors of protein synthesis. The underlying mechanism was a severe inhibition of the transcriptional effect of insulin, rather than mRNA destabilization, as demonstrated by run-on transcription assays with nuclei from cycloheximide-treated or pactamycin-treated cells. Transcription of the glucokinase gene may therefore depend on de novo synthesis of the product of an early-response gene induced by insulin, or may require a short-lived trans-acting or accessory factor of transcription. Alternatively, insulin signalling may be compromised in hepatocytes by a mechanism indirectly related to the arrest of protein synthesis.