Regulation of the GLUT4/muscle-fat glucose transporter mRNA in adipose tissue of insulin-deficient diabetic rats

Effects of SGLT2 inhibition on lipid transport in adipose tissue in type 2 diabetes

SGLT2 inhibition induces an insulin-independent reduction in plasma glucose causing increased lipolysis and subsequent lipid oxidation by energy-consuming tissues. However, it is unknown whether SGLT2 inhibition also affects lipid storage in adipose tissue. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of SGLT2 inhibition on lipid storage and lipolysis in adipose tissue. We performed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover design of 4 weeks of empagliflozin 25 mg and placebo once-daily in 13 individuals with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin. Adipose tissue fatty acid uptake, lipolysis rate and clearance were measured by 11C-palmitate PET/CT. Adipose tissue glucose uptake was measured by 18F-FDG PET/CT. Protein and gene expression of pathways involved in lipid storage and lipolysis were measured in biopsies of abdominal s.c. adipose tissue. Subjects were weight stable, which allowed us to quantify the weight loss-independent effects of SGLT2 inhibition. We found that SGLT2 inhibition did not affect free fatty acids (FFA) uptake in abdominal s.c. adipose tissue but increased FFA uptake in visceral adipose tissue by 27% (P < 0.05). In addition, SGLT2 inhibition reduced GLUT4 protein (P = 0.03) and mRNA content (P = 0.01) in abdominal s.c. adipose tissue but without affecting glucose uptake. In addition, SGLT2 inhibition decreased the expression of genes involved in insulin signaling in adipose tissue. We conclude that SGLT2 inhibition reduces GLUT4 gene and protein expression in abdominal s.c. adipose tissue, which could indicate a rebalancing of substrate utilization away from glucose oxidation and lipid storage capacity through reduced glycerol formation.

A free-choice high-fat diet modulates the effects of a sucrose bolus on the expression of genes involved in glucose handling in the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens

The consumption of saturated fat and sucrose can have synergistic effects on the brain that do not occur when either nutrient is consumed by itself. In this study we hypothesize that saturated fat intake modulates glucose handling in the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens, both brain areas highly involved in the control of food intake. To study this, male Wistar rats were given a free-choice high fat diet (fcHFD) or a control diet for two weeks. During the last seven days rats were given a daily bolus of either a 30% sucrose solution or water. Rats were sacrificed on day eight, 30 minutes after the onset of drinking. mRNA and protein levels of genes involved in glucose handling were assessed in the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens. We found increased Glut3 and Glut4 mRNA in the hypothalamus of fcHFD-fed rats without an additional effect of the sucrose bolus. In the nucleus accumbens, the sucrose bolus increased Glut3 mRNA and decreased Glut4 mRNA independent of prior diet exposure. The ATP-sensitive potassium channel subunit Kir6.1 in the nucleus accumbens tended to be affected by the synergistic effects of a fcHFD and a sucrose bolus. These data suggest that acute glucose handling in the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens may be affected by prior high fat exposure.

Glucose transporters in adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle in metabolic health and disease

A family of facilitative glucose transporters (GLUTs) is involved in regulating tissue-specific glucose uptake and metabolism in the liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue to ensure homeostatic control of blood glucose levels. Reduced glucose transport activity results in aberrant use of energy substrates and is associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It is well established that GLUT2, the main regulator of hepatic hexose flux, and GLUT4, the workhorse in insulin- and contraction-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, are critical contributors in the control of whole-body glycemia. However, the molecular mechanism how insulin controls glucose transport across membranes and its relation to impaired glycemic control in type 2 diabetes remains not sufficiently understood. An array of circulating metabolites and hormone-like molecules and potential supplementary glucose transporters play roles in fine-tuning glucose flux between the different organs in response to an altered energy demand.

Skeletal muscle IL-6 regulates muscle substrate utilization and adipose tissue metabolism during recovery from an acute bout of exercise

An acute bout of exercise imposes a major challenge on whole-body metabolism and metabolic adjustments are needed in multiple tissues during recovery to reestablish metabolic homeostasis. It is currently unresolved how this regulation is orchestrated between tissues. This study was undertaken to clarify the role of skeletal muscle derived interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the coordination of the metabolic responses during recovery from acute exercise. Skeletal muscle specific IL-6 knockout (IL-6 MKO) and littermate Control mice were rested or ran on a treadmill for 2h. Plasma, skeletal muscle, liver and adipose tissue were obtained after 6 and 10h of recovery. Non-exercised IL-6 MKO mice had higher plasma lactate and lower plasma non-esterified fatty acids than Controls. The activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase in the active form was, in skeletal muscle, higher in IL-6 MKO mice than Controls in non-exercised mice and 6h after exercise. IL-6 MKO mice had lower glucose transporter 4 protein content in inguinal adipose tissue (WAT) than Control in non-exercised mice and 10h after treadmill running. Epididymal WAT hormone sensitive lipase phosphorylation and inguinal WAT mitogen activated kinase P38 phosphorylation were higher in IL-6 MKO than Control mice 6h after exercise. These findings indicate that skeletal muscle IL-6 may play an important role in the regulation of substrate utilization in skeletal muscle, basal and exercise-induced adaptations in adipose tissue glucose uptake and lipolysis during recovery from exercise. Together this indicates that skeletal muscle IL-6 contributes to reestablishing metabolic homeostasis during recovery from exercise by regulating WAT and skeletal muscle metabolism.

Adipocyte dysfunction in rats with streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes

Administration of streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA) to adult rats allows for the induction of mild diabetes. However, this experimental model has not been fully characterized. This study was undertaken to determine the metabolic and secretory activity of adipose tissue in rats with STZ-NA-induced diabetes. Experiments were performed using epididymal adipocytes isolated from control and mildly diabetic rats. Lipogenesis, glucose transport as well as glucose and alanine oxidation, lipolysis, anti-lipolysis, cAMP levels and adipokine secretion were compared in cells isolated from the control and diabetic rats. Lipogenesis, glucose transport and oxidation were diminished in the adipocytes of diabetic rats compared with the fat cells of control animals. However, alanine oxidation appeared to be similar in the cells of non-diabetic and diabetic animals. Lipolytic response to low epinephrine concentrations was slightly increased in the adipocytes of diabetic rats; however, at higher concentrations of the hormone, lipolysis was similar in both groups of cells. The epinephrine-induced rise in cAMP levels was higher in the adipocytes of STZ-NA-induced diabetic rats, even in the presence of insulin. Lipolysis stimulated by dibutyryl-cAMP did not significantly differ, whereas anti-lipolytic effects of insulin were mildly decreased in the cells of diabetic rats. Secretion of adiponectin and leptin was substantially diminished in the adipocytes of diabetic rats compared with the cells of control animals. Our studies demonstrated that the balance between lipogenesis and lipolysis in the adipose tissue of rats with mild diabetes induced by STZ and NA is slightly shifted towards reduced lipid accumulation. Simultaneously, adiponectin and leptin secretion is significantly impaired.

Mechanisms regulating GLUT4 transcription in skeletal muscle cells are highly conserved across vertebrates

The glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) plays a key role in glucose uptake in insulin target tissues. This transporter has been extensively studied in many species in terms of its function, expression and cellular traffic and complex mechanisms are involved in its regulation at many different levels. However, studies investigating the transcription of the GLUT4 gene and its regulation are scarce. In this study, we have identified the GLUT4 gene in a teleost fish, the Fugu (Takifugu rubripes), and have cloned and characterized a functional promoter of this gene for the first time in a non-mammalian vertebrate. In silico analysis of the Fugu GLUT4 promoter identified potential binding sites for transcription factors such as SP1, C/EBP, MEF2, KLF, SREBP-1c and GC-boxes, as well as a CpG island, but failed to identify a TATA box. In vitro analysis revealed three transcription start sites, with the main residing 307 bp upstream of the ATG codon. Deletion analysis determined that the core promoter was located between nucleotides -132/+94. By transfecting a variety of 5´deletion constructs into L6 muscle cells we have determined that Fugu GLUT4 promoter transcription is regulated by insulin, PG-J2, a PPARγ agonist, and electrical pulse stimulation. Furthermore, our results suggest the implication of motifs such as PPARγ/RXR and HIF-1α in the regulation of Fugu GLUT4 promoter activity by PPARγ and contractile activity, respectively. These data suggest that the characteristics and regulation of the GLUT4 promoter have been remarkably conserved during the evolution from fish to mammals, further evidencing the important role of GLUT4 in metabolic regulation in vertebrates.

Comparison of in vitro and in situ methods for studying lipolysis

Lipolysis is a highly regulated process and is controlled by nervous system, hormones, and paracrine/autocrine factors. Dysregulation of lipolysis is associated with some pathophysiological conditions including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Nowadays, special attention isthereforepaid to study lipolysis using different experimental models. This review summarizes the current experimental methods for studying lipolysis. Culture of preadipocyte cell lines, use of differentiated stroma-vascular cells, primary culture of adipocyte, organ culture of adipose tissue, and microdialysis technique are the most widely used techniques to study lipolysis. The advantages and limitations of using these methods are discussed.

Human subcutaneous adipose tissue Glut 4 mRNA expression in obesity and type 2 diabetes

Cellular resistance to insulin caused by reduced glucose transport and metabolism is a primary defect leading to the development of metabolic disease. While the etiology of insulin resistance is multifactorial, reduced insulin action is associated with impaired activity of the glucose transporter GLUT4 in insulin-sensitive tissues. Yet, the role of adipose tissue GLUT4 deregulation in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes is still unclear. In this study, we assessed the relative GLUT4 level in human subcutaneous adipose tissue from obese, diabetic, and diabetic obese versus control subjects, using a real-time PCR method. GLUT4 mRNA levels were considerably decreased among type 2 diabetic patients compared with those of the controls (P < 0.01), whereas no such difference was found between obese and normal-weight controls. Multiple linear regressions analysis in both diabetic non-obese and diabetic obese groups showed a negative correlation between GLUT4 mRNA expression and both markers of obesity or insulin resistance (P < 0.01). However, in obese group, GLUT4 was inversely associated only with HOMA-IR (P < 0.01). Our findings showed that adipose GLUT4 gene expression changes were more related to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes rather than to obesity.

Regulation of GLUT4 and Insulin-Dependent Glucose Flux

GLUT4 has long been known to be an insulin responsive glucose transporter. Regulation of GLUT4 has been a major focus of research on the cause and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Understanding how insulin signaling alters the intracellular trafficking of GLUT4 as well as understanding the fate of glucose transported into the cell by GLUT4 will be critically important for seeking solutions to the current rise in diabetes and metabolic disease.

Class II histone deacetylases downregulate GLUT4 transcription in response to increased cAMP signaling in cultured adipocytes and fasting mice

Insulin-mediated glucose uptake is highly sensitive to the levels of the facilitative glucose transporter protein, GLUT4. Repression of GLUT4 expression is correlated with insulin resistance in adipose tissue. We have shown that differentiation-dependent GLUT4 transcription was under control of class II histone deacetylases (HDACs). We hypothesized that HDACs may regulate gene expression in adipocytes as a result of adrenergic activation. To test this hypothesis, we activated cAMP signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in mice after an overnight fast. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments showed the association of HDAC4/5 with the GLUT4 promoter in vivo and in vitro in response to elevated cAMP. Knockdown of HDACs by small interfering RNA in cultured adipocytes prevented the cAMP-dependent decrease in GLUT4 transcription. HDAC4/5 recruitment to the GLUT4 promoter was dependent on the GLUT4 liver X receptor (LXR) binding site. Treatment of cells with an LXR agonist prevented the cAMP-dependent decrease in GLUT4 transcription. A loss of function mutation in the LXR response element was required for cAMP-dependent downregulation of GLUT4 expression in vitro, in fasted mice, and in mice subjected to diet-induced obesity. This suggests that activation of LXR signaling can prevent loss of GLUT4 expression in diabetes and obesity.

Culture of isolated human adipocytes and isolated adipose tissue

Adipose tissue (AT) is no longer considered merely as insulation or padding for human organs. It is an endocrine organ in its own right, which includes composite cells with the ability to differentiate into multiple cell lines. In fact, there is increasing evidence to support the theory that the causation of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders originate at the cellular or tissue level. Adipocyte dysfunction and chronic inflammatory states are able to modulate triglyceride storage and mobilization directly through cytokine and adipokine release. Significant variability exists between adipocyte isolation and culture techniques which subsequently can impact experimental results. We aim to explain the importance of controlling these variables, to assist tailoring methodological choice towards the investigational outcomes, and modifications of the techniques used accordingly. The techniques described in this chapter yield cell and adipose tissue which can be utilised in many different ways, including adipose tissue stem cells for differentiation, DNA analysis, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, lipolysis, glucose uptake, and LPL activity.

Insulin resistance at the crossroads of metabolic syndrome: systemic analysis using microarrays

Recently, it has been suggested that insulin resistance is a better predictor of metabolic syndrome than obesity. Numerous studies have been conducted to identify insulin resistance susceptibility genes in various model systems. This review focuses on recent findings in microarray analyses, which have indicated that (i) in the liver, genes involved in lipid synthesis and gluconeogenesis are increased in an animal model of insulin resistance that leads into liver steatosis and hyperglycemia; (ii) in adipose tissues, genes involved in fatty acid synthesis and adipogenesis are down-regulated both in insulin-resistant humans and in animals; and (iii) in muscle, overall gene expression, including genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and biosynthesis, is either decreased or unresponsive compared to that of insulin-sensitive control human subjects or animals. Considering the multifaceted effects of insulin resistance in various tissues, aiming at multi-targets rather than a single target will be a more promising strategy for the prevention or treatment of insulin resistance.

Class II histone deacetylases limit GLUT4 gene expression during adipocyte differentiation

Insulin-dependent glucose homeostasis is highly sensitive to the levels of insulin-responsive glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression in adipocytes. The level of GLUT4 protein expression is highly dependent on the rate of GLUT4 gene transcription. GLUT4 gene transcription is decreased in a variety of physiologic states of insulin resistance including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and prolonged fasting. GLUT4 gene expression in adipocytes is differentiation-dependent, with full expression delayed until late in the differentiation program. In this paper, we have tested the hypothesis that differentiation-dependent GLUT4 gene expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes is dependent on the nuclear concentration of a class II histone deacetylase (HDAC) protein, HDAC5. We have tested this hypothesis by reducing the levels of class II HDACs in the nuclear compartment of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes using two experimental approaches. First, preadipocytes were treated with phenylephrine, an α-adrenergic receptor agonist, to drive HDACS out of the nuclear compartment. Also, the class II HDAC concentrations were reduced using siRNA knockdown. In each case, reduction of nuclear class II HDAC concentration resulted in increased expression of endogenous GLUT4 mRNA in preadipocytes. Together, our data indicate that class II HDAC expression is the major regulatory mechanism for inhibiting GLUT4 expression in the predifferentiated state.

Acute inhibition of fatty acid import inhibits GLUT4 transcription in adipose tissue, but not skeletal or cardiac muscle tissue, partly through liver X receptor (LXR) signaling

OBJECTIVE

Insulin-mediated glucose uptake is highly sensitive to the levels of the facilitative GLUT protein GLUT4. Transcription of the GLUT4 gene is repressed in states of insulin deficiency and insulin resistance and can be induced by states of enhanced energy output, such as exercise. The cellular signals that regulate GLUT4 transcription are not well understood. We hypothesized that changes in energy substrate flux regulate GLUT4 transcription.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To test this hypothesis, we used transgenic mice in which expression of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene is driven by a functional 895-bp fragment of the human GLUT4 promoter, thereby acting as a reporter for transcriptional activity. Mice were treated with a single dose of etomoxir, which inhibits the transport of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria and increases basal, but not insulin-mediated, glucose flux. GLUT4 and transgenic CAT mRNA were measured.

RESULTS

Etomoxir treatment significantly reduced CAT and GLUT4 mRNA transcription in adipose tissue, but did not change transcription in heart and skeletal muscle. Downregulation of GLUT4 transcription was cell autonomous, since etomoxir treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes resulted in a similar downregulation of GLUT4 mRNA. GLUT4 transcriptional downregulation required the putative liver X receptor (LXR) binding site in the human GLUT4 gene promoter in adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with the LXR agonist, TO901317, partially restored GLUT4 expression in etomoxir-treated cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that long-chain fatty acid import into mitochondria in adipose tissue may produce ligands that regulate expression of metabolic genes.

MicroRNA-133 regulates the expression of GLUT4 by targeting KLF15 and is involved in metabolic control in cardiac myocytes

GLUT4 shows decreased levels in failing human adult hearts. We speculated that GLUT4 expression in cardiac muscle may be fine-tuned by microRNAs. Forced expression of miR-133 decreased GLUT4 expression and reduced insulin-mediated glucose uptake in cardiomyocytes. A computational miRNA target prediction algorithm showed that KLF15 is one of the targets of miR-133. It was confirmed that over-expression of miR-133 reduced the protein level of KLF15, which reduced the level of the downstream target GLUT4. Cardiac myocytes infected with lenti-decoy, in which the 3'UTR with tandem sequences complementary to miR-133 was linked to the luciferase reporter gene, had decreased miR-133 levels and increased levels of GLUT4. The expression levels of KLF15 and GLUT4 were decreased at the left ventricular hypertrophy and congestive heart failure stage in a rat model. The present results indicated that miR-133 regulates the expression of GLUT4 by targeting KLF15 and is involved in metabolic control in cardiomyocytes.

Caveolin-1 loss of function accelerates glucose transporter 4 and insulin receptor degradation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Caveolae are a specialized type of lipid rafts that are stabilized by oligomers of caveolin protein. Caveolae are particularly enriched in adipocytes. Here we analyzed the effects of caveolin-1 knockdown and caveolae ablation on adipocyte function. To this end, we obtained several multiclonal mouse 3T3-L1 cell lines with a reduced expression of caveolin-1 (95% reduction) by a small interfering RNA approach using lentiviral vectors. Control cell lines were obtained by lentiviral infection with lentiviral vectors encoding appropriate scrambled RNAs. Caveolin-1 knockdown adipocytes showed a drastic reduction in the number of caveolae (95% decrease) and cholera toxin labeling was reorganized in dynamic plasma membrane microdomains. Caveolin-1 depletion caused a specific decrease in glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and insulin receptor protein levels. This reduction was not the result of a generalized defect in adipocyte differentiation or altered gene expression but was explained by faster degradation of these proteins. Caveolin-1 knockdown adipocytes showed reductions in insulin-stimulated glucose transport, insulin-triggered GLUT4 recruitment to the cell surface, and insulin receptor activation. In all, our data indicate that caveolin-1 loss of function reduces maximal insulin response through lowered stability and diminished expression of insulin receptors and GLUT4. We propose that caveolin-1/caveolae control insulin action in adipose cells.

Depot-specific adipocyte cell lines reveal differential drug-induced responses of white adipocytes--relevance for partial lipodystrophy

Intra-abdominal (IA) fat functionally differs from subcutaneous (SC) adipose tissue, likely contributing to its stronger association with obesity-induced morbidity and to differential response to medications. Drug-induced partial lipodystrophy, like in response to antiretroviral agents, is an extreme manifestation of the different response of different fat depots, with loss of SC but not IA. Investigating depot-specific adipocyte differences is limited by the low accessibility to IA fat and by the heterogenous cell population comprising adipose tissue. Here, we aimed at utilizing immortalized preadipocyte cell lines from IA (epididymal) or SC (inguinal) fat to investigate whether they differentially respond to the HIV protease inhibitor nelfinavir. Preadipocytes were readily amenable to adipogenesis, as evidenced by lipid accumulation, expression of adipose-specific genes, measurable lipolysis, and insulin responsiveness. Leptin secretion was higher by the SC line, consistent with known differences between IA and SC fat. As previously reported, nelfinavir inhibited adipogenesis downstream of C/EBPbeta, but similarly in both cell lines. In contrast, nelfinavir's capacity to diminish insulin signaling, decrease leptin secretion, enhance basal lipolysis, and decrease expression of the lipid droplet-associated protein perilipin occurred more robustly and/or at lower nelfinavir concentrations in the SC line. This was despite similar intracellular concentrations of nelfinavir (23.8 +/- 5.6 and 33.6 +/- 12.2 microg/mg protein for inguinal and epididymal adipocytes, respectively, P = 0.46). The cell lines recapitulated depot-differential effects of nelfinavir observed in differentiated primary preadipocytes and with whole tissue explants. Thus, we report the use of fat depot-specific adipocyte cell lines for unraveling depot-differential responses to a drug causing partial lipodystrophy.

Characterisation of insulin-resistant phenotype of cultured rat primary adipose cells

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We characterised insulin resistance, metabolic defects and endocrine dysfunction in cultured adipose cells and examined the autocrine or paracrine roles of cytokines/adipokines in the progression of insulin resistance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rat primary adipose cells were prepared and cultured for 24 and 48 h. Insulin resistance and gene expression were examined by glucose uptake assay, cDNA microarray and real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

After 24 h in culture, the fold increase of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipose cells was markedly reduced; after 48 h the response of the cells to insulin decreased. cDNA microarray analysis showed that the expression of 514 genes was altered in adipose cells after 24 h in culture. The dysregulated genes included those involved in the citric acid cycle and in fatty acid and pyruvate metabolism. Specifically, the following genes were all downregulated: genes encoding lipolytic and lipogenic enzymes; uncoupling protein 1 and 2 genes; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, coactivator 1 alpha gene. This indicates that lipolytic and lipogenic activity, as well as mitochondria capacity decline in adipose cells cultured for 24 h. The mRNAs encoding 40 adipokines were also dysregulated in cultured cells. Strikingly, the dysregulated adipokines in cultured cells and in freshly isolated adipose cells from insulin-resistant Zucker fa/fa rats displayed a similar pattern with regard to protein functions. Also striking was the fact that progression of insulin resistance was promoted by the adipokines secreted from insulin-resistant adipose tissue or cells.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our data demonstrate that the impairment of metabolism and endocrine dysfunction in cultured adipose cells mimics the insulin resistance occurring in vivo. Cytokines and adipokines appear to play a critical role in the progression of insulin resistance in adipose cells.

Hyperphosphorylation of MEF2A in primary adipocytes correlates with downregulation of human GLUT4 gene promoter activity

GLUT4 promoter activity is regulated by hormonal, metabolic, and tissue-specific controls. This complicates the study of GLUT4 gene transcription, as no cell culture model adequately recapitulates these extracellular regulators. While investigating cultured primary adipocytes as a model system for GLUT4 transcription, we observed that GLUT4 mRNA was specifically and rapidly downregulated upon tissue dispersal. Downregulation of GLUT4 mRNA was mediated in part by loss of regulatory control by the trans-acting factors that control GLUT4 transcriptional activity [the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factor family and the GLUT4 enhancer factor] and their cognate DNA binding sites in transgenic mice. The differences in GLUT4 transcription when whole adipose tissue and cell culture model systems are compared can be correlated to a posttranslational phosphorylation of the transcription factor MEF2A. The difference in the MEF2A phosphorylation state in whole tissue vs. isolated cells may provide a further basis for the development of an in vitro system that could recapitulate fully regulated GLUT4 promoter activity. Development of an in vitro system to reconstitute GLUT4 transcriptional regulation will further efforts to discern the molecular mechanisms that underlie GLUT4 expression.

Insulin resistance induced by high glucose and high insulin precedes insulin receptor substrate 1 protein depletion in human adipocytes

The aim of this study was to investigate whether high glucose and/or high insulin produces cellular insulin resistance in human adipocytes and, if so, to evaluate the time course and content of key proteins in the insulin signaling pathway. Subcutaneous fat biopsies were taken from 27 nondiabetic subjects. Insulin action in vitro was studied by measurement of glucose uptake after incubation at a physiologic glucose level (6 mmol/L) for 24 hours or with the last 2, 6, or 24 hours at a high glucose level (20 mmol/L) with or without high insulin (10(4)microU/mL). High glucose alone for 24 hours produced a small but significant impairment (by approximately 20%, P < .05) of insulin's effect to stimulate glucose transport, whereas nonstimulated glucose uptake was left intact. In contrast, the combination of high glucose and high insulin for 6 hours or more reduced basal glucose uptake by approximately 40% (P < .05). In addition, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake capacity was reduced by approximately 40% already after 2 hours (P < .05) and reached a maximal decline (by approximately 50%, P < .05) after a 6-hour culture in high glucose and high insulin. Treatment with high glucose and high insulin in combination for at least 6 hours reduced cellular insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, but not IRS-2, protein content by approximately 45% or more (P < .05). Moreover, after 24 hours, the ability of insulin to activate protein kinase B (ie, the phosphorylated protein kinase B [pPKB]-protein kinase B ratio) was decreased by approximately 50% (P < .05). No significant effects were seen on insulin signaling proteins or glucose transporter 4 after a long-term high-glucose culture. Culture with high insulin alone (and low glucose, 6 mmol/L) decreased basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in conformity with the high-glucose/high-insulin setting. However, IRS-1 protein content remained unchanged. We conclude that, in adipocytes from healthy humans, high insulin alone for 2 hours or more decrease glucose uptake capacity. Likewise, high glucose and high insulin in combination for 2 hours or more decrease glucose uptake to the same extent as when cells were cultured with high insulin alone but, in addition, with a diminishment in IRS-1 protein lagging behind. Thus, IRS-1 depletion appears to be a secondary phenomenon in this model of insulin resistance. High glucose alone induces only a minor insulin resistance in human fat cells.

Regulation of GLUT4 gene expression by SREBP-1c in adipocytes

Expression of the GLUT4 (glucose transporter type 4 isoform) gene in adipocytes is subject to hormonal or metabolic control. In the present study, we have characterized an adipose tissue transcription factor that is influenced by fasting/refeeding regimens and insulin. Northern blotting showed that refeeding increased GLUT4 mRNA levels for 24 h in adipose tissue. Consistent with an increased GLUT4 gene expression, the mRNA levels of SREBP (sterol-regulatory-element-binding protein)-1c in adipose tissue were also increased by refeeding. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, insulin treatment increased the mRNA levels of GLUT4 in adipose tissue. Serial deletion, luciferase reporter assays and electrophoretic mobility-shift assay studies indicated that the putative sterol response element is located in the region between bases -109 and -100 of the human GLUT4 promoter. Transduction of the SREBP-1c dominant negative form to differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes caused a reduction in the mRNA levels of GLUT4, suggesting that SREBP-1c mediates the transcription of GLUT4. In vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that refeeding increased the binding of SREBP-1 to the putative sterol-response element in the GLUT4. Furthermore, treating streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with insulin restored SREBP-1 binding. In addition, we have identified an Sp1 binding site adjacent to the functional sterol-response element in the GLUT4 promoter. The Sp1 site appears to play an additive role in SREBP-1c mediated GLUT4 gene upregulation. These results suggest that upregulation of GLUT4 gene transcription might be directly mediated by SREBP-1c in adipose tissue.

Insulin acts via mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in rabbit blastocysts

The addition of insulin during in vitro culture has beneficial effects on rabbit preimplantation embryos leading to increased cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis. We have previously described the expression of the insulin receptor (IR) and the insulin-responsive glucose transporters (GLUT) 4 and 8 in rabbit preimplantation embryos. However, the effects of insulin on IR signaling and glucose metabolism have not been investigated in rabbit embryos. In the present study, the effects of 170 nM insulin on IR, GLUT4 and GLUT8 mRNA levels, Akt and Erk phosphorylation, GLUT4 translocation and methyl glucose transport were studied in cultured day 3 to day 6 rabbit embryos. Insulin stimulated phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Erk1/2 and levels of IR and GLUT4 mRNA, but not phosphorylation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent protein kinase, Akt, GLUT8 mRNA levels, glucose uptake or GLUT4 translocation. Activation of the MAPK signaling pathway in the absence of GLUT4 translocation and of a glucose transport response suggest that in the rabbit preimplantation embryo insulin is acting as a growth factor rather than a component of glucose homeostatic control.

Regulation of the human GLUT4 gene promoter: interaction between a transcriptional activator and myocyte enhancer factor 2A

The GLUT4 gene is subject to complex tissue-specific and metabolic regulation, with a profound impact on insulin-mediated glucose disposal. We have shown, by using transgenic mice, that the human GLUT4 promoter is regulated through the cooperative function of two distinct regulatory elements, domain 1 and the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) domain. The MEF2 domain binds transcription factors MEF2A and MEF2D in vivo. Domain I binds a transcription factor, GLUT4 enhancer factor (GEF). In this report, we show a restricted pattern of GEF expression in human tissues, which overlaps with MEF2A only in tissues expressing high levels of GLUT4, suggesting the hypothesis that GEF and MEF2A function together to activate GLUT4 transcription. Data obtained from transiently transfected cells support this hypothesis. Neither GEF nor MEF2A alone significantly activated GLUT4 promoter activity, but increased promoter activity 4- to 5-fold when expressed together. Deletion of the GEF-binding domain (domain I) and the MEF2-binding domain prevented activation, strengthening the conclusion that promoter regulation occurs through these elements. GEF and MEF2A, isolated from nuclei of transfected cells, bound domain I and the MEF2 domain, respectively, which is consistent with activation through these regulatory elements. Finally, GEF and MEF2A coimmunoprecipitated in vivo, strongly supporting a mechanism of GLUT4 transcription activation that depends on this protein-protein interaction.

Standard isolation of primary adipose cells from mouse epididymal fat pads induces inflammatory mediators and down-regulates adipocyte genes

Isolation and subsequent in vitro culture of primary adipose cells are associated with down-regulation of GLUT4 mRNA and simultaneous induction of GLUT1 gene expression. Progressive loss of insulin-responsive GLUT4 contributes to the decrease in insulin-mediated glucose uptake in these cells when cultured in vitro. The mechanisms underlying these alterations are unknown. Here, we report that the standard procedure for isolating primary adipose cells from mouse adipose tissue triggers induction of many genes encoding inflammatory mediators including TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-6, multiple chemokines, cell adhesion molecules, acute-phase proteins, type I IL-1 receptor, and multiple transcription factors implicated in the cellular inflammatory response. Secretion of TNF-alpha protein was also significantly induced during the 2-h collagenase digestion of adipose tissue. Isolated primary adipose cells exhibit dramatic changes in expression of multiple mRNAs that are characteristic of TNF-alpha-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes including down-regulation of many genes important for insulin action and triglyceride synthesis. Addition of TNF-alpha to primary adipose cells in culture did not change the kinetics or the extent of the repression of adipose cell-abundant genes. Moreover, TNF-alpha-neutralizing antibody failed to block the changes in gene transcription in isolated primary adipose cells. Also, the standard isolation procedure induced the expression of NF-kappa B family members and their target genes in primary adipose cells prepared from TNF-alpha-/- mice to the same extent as in cells isolated from wild-type mice and resulted in almost identical changes in global gene expression when these cells were cultured in vitro. Thus, these data suggest that the standard isolation procedure-triggered reprogramming of gene expression in primary adipose cells that results in decreased insulin sensitivity does not require TNF-alpha, at least in this in vitro model system, but may be dependent on other inflammatory cytokines produced by these cells.

Cadmium induces impaired glucose tolerance in rat by down-regulating GLUT4 expression in adipocytes

Cadmium (Cd) has been known to cause hyperglycemia with diabetes-related complications in experimental animals; however, the molecular basis underlying this Cd-induced hyperglycemia is not known. Here, we report the novel finding that the impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in rats induced by CdCl(2) is accompanied by a drastic (by as much as 90%) and dose-dependent reduction in GLUT4 protein and GLUT4 mRNA levels in adipocytes. The effect was specific to GLUT4; neither GLUT1 nor insulin-responsive aminopeptidase in adipocytes was affected. GLUT2 in hepatocytes was also not affected. Interestingly, the effect on GLUT4 was also specific to adipocytes; the muscle tissues of the Cd-treated rats showed only a slight (<25%) reduction in GLUT4 protein level with no change in GLUT4 message level, and again with no change in GLUT1 protein and its message levels. Although the insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation in adipocytes was not affected by the Cd treatment, the 3-O-methy-D-glucose flux in insulin-stimulated adipocytes of Cd-treated rat was drastically reduced. Together these findings clearly demonstrate that Cd induces IGT in rats by selectively down-regulating GLUT4 expression in adipocytes.

Nutrient-sensing mTOR-mediated pathway regulates leptin production in isolated rat adipocytes

Leptin biosynthesis in adipose cells in vivo is increased by food intake and decreased by food deprivation. However, the mechanism that couples leptin production to food intake remains unknown. We found that addition of leucine to isolated rat adipocytes significantly increased leptin production by these cells, suggesting that postprandial leptin levels may be directly regulated by dietary leucine. The effect of leucine was inhibited by rapamycin and not by actinomycin D. Besides, leucine administration did not increase the amount of leptin mRNA in adipocytes. Therefore, we concluded that leucine activates leptin expression in adipose cells at the level of translation via a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-mediated pathway. Because leptin is a secreted protein, its biosynthesis is compartmentalized on the endoplasmic reticulum. To analyze mTOR signaling in this subcellular fraction, we separated adipose cells by centrifugation into a heavy membrane fraction that includes virtually all endoplasmic reticulum and the cytosolic extract. Phosphorylation of the major mTOR targets, the ribosomal protein S6 and the translational inhibitor 4E-binding protein (BP)/phosphorylated heat- and acid-stable protein (PHAS)-1, was stimulated by leucine in the cytosolic extract, whereas, in the heavy fraction, S6 was constitutively phosphorylated and leucine only induced phosphorylation of 4E-BP/PHAS-1. We also found that 60-70% of leptin mRNA was stably associated with the heavy fraction, and leucine administration did not change the ratio between compartmentalized and free cytoplasmic leptin mRNA. We suggest that, in adipose cells, a predominant part of leptin mRNA is compartmentalized on the endoplasmic reticulum, and leucine activates translation of these messages via the mTOR/4E-BP/PHAS-1-mediated signaling pathway.

The Krüppel-like factor KLF15 regulates the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter GLUT4

Resistance to the stimulatory effects of insulin on glucose utilization is a key feature of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome. Recent studies suggest that insulin resistance is primarily caused by a defect in glucose transport. GLUT4 is the main insulin-responsive glucose transporter and is expressed predominantly in muscle and adipose tissues. Whereas GLUT4 has been shown to play a critical role in maintaining systemic glucose homeostasis, the mechanisms regulating its expression are incompletely understood. We have cloned the murine homologue of KLF15, a member of the Krüppel-like family of transcription factors. KLF15 is highly expressed in adipocytes and myocytes in vivo and is induced when 3T3-L1 preadipocytes are differentiated into adipocytes. Overexpression of KLF15 in adipose and muscle cell lines potently induces GLUT4 expression. This effect is specific to KLF15 as overexpression of two other Krüppel-like factors, KLF2/LKLF and KLF4/GKLF, did not induce GLUT4 expression. Both basal (3.3-fold, p < 0.001) and insulin-stimulated (2.4-fold, p < 0.00001) glucose uptake are increased in KLF15-overexpressing adipocytes. In co-transfection assays, KLF15 and MEF2A, a known activator of GLUT4, synergistically activates the GLUT4 promoter. Promoter deletion and mutational analyses provide evidence that this activity requires an intact KLF15-binding site proximal to the MEF2A site. Finally, co-immunoprecipitation assays show that KLF15 specifically interacts with MEF2A. These studies indicate that KLF15 is an important regulator of GLUT4 in both adipose and muscle tissues.

Troglitazone not only increases GLUT4 but also induces its translocation in rat adipocytes

Thiazolidinediones, insulin-sensitizing agents, have been reported to increase glucose uptake along with the expression of glucose transporters in adipocytes and cardiomyocytes. Recently, we have further suggested that the translocation of GLUT4 is stimulated by thiazolidinediones in L6 myocytes. However, the direct effects of thiazolidinediones on translocation of glucose transporters have not yet been determined. In this study, using hemagglutinin epitope-tagged GLUT4 (GLUT4-HA), we provide direct evidence of the effect of troglitazone on the translocation of GLUT4 in rat epididymal adipocytes. Primary cultures of rat adipocytes were transiently transfected with GLUT4-HA and overexpressed eightfold compared with endogenous GLUT4 in transfected cells. A total of 24 h of treatment with troglitazone (10(-4) mol/l) increased the cell surface level of GLUT4-HA by 1.5 +/- 0.03-fold (P < 0.01) without changing the total amount of GLUT4-HA, whereas it increased the protein level of endogenous GLUT4 (1.4-fold) without changing that of GLUT1. Thus, the direct effect on the translocation can be detected apart from the increase in endogenous GLUT4 content using GLUT4-HA. Troglitazone not only increased the translocation of GLUT4-HA on the cell surface in the basal state but also caused a leftward shift in the dose-response relations between GLUT4-HA translocation and insulin concentration in the medium (ED(50): from approximately 0.1 to 0.03 nmol/l). These effects may partly contribute to the antidiabetic activity of troglitazone in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The MEF2A and MEF2D isoforms are differentially regulated in muscle and adipose tissue during states of insulin deficiency

Previously we have demonstrated that striated muscle GLUT4 gene expression decreased following streptozotocin-induced diabetes due to a loss of MEF2A transcription factor expression without any significant effect on the MEF2D isoform (Mora, S. and J. E. Pessin (2000) J Biol Chem, 275:16323-16328). In contrast to both cardiac and skeletal muscle, adipose tissue displays a selective decrease in MEF2D expression in diabetes without any significant alteration in MEF2A protein content. Adipose tissue also expresses very low levels of the MEF2 transcription factors and nuclear extracts from white adipose tissue exhibit poor in vitro binding to the MEF2 element. However, addition of in vitro synthesized MEF2A to adipose nuclear extracts results in the formation of the expected MEF2/DNA complex. More importantly, binding to the MEF2 element was also compromised in the diabetic condition. Furthermore, in vivo overexpression of MEF2A selectively in adipose tissue did not affect GLUT4 or MEF2D expression and was not sufficient to prevent GLUT4 down-regulation that occurred in insulin-deficient states.

Identification of a 30-base pair regulatory element and novel DNA binding protein that regulates the human GLUT4 promoter in transgenic mice

We have previously demonstrated that the important cis-acting elements regulating transcription of the human GLUT4 gene reside within 895 base pairs (bp) upstream of the transcription initiation site (Thai, M. V., Guruswamy, S., Cao, K. T., Pessin, J. E., and Olson, A. L. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 14285-14292). Our studies demonstrated that an MEF2 binding site within this region was necessary, but not sufficient, for GLUT4 promoter function in transgenic mice. We have identified a second regulatory element (Domain I) that functions cooperatively with the MEF2 domain in regulating GLUT4 transcription. Using a yeast-one hybrid screen, we obtained a partial cDNA and generated an antibody directed against a protein binding specifically to Domain I. Sequence analysis of the partial cDNA indicates that the protein binding to Domain I is a novel protein. The antibody specifically labels two proteins of approximately 70 and 50 kDa in Western blot analysis. These molecular masses correspond to Domain I binding proteins identified by UV-cross-linking nuclear extracts to a Domain I probe. The antibody raised against the Domain I binding protein inhibited formation of a Domain I-protein complex in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. We conclude that we have identified an authentic, novel, Domain I binding protein required for transcriptional regulation of the human GLUT4 promoter.

Development and comparison of two 3T3-L1 adipocyte models of insulin resistance: increased glucose flux vs glucosamine treatment

Insulin resistance can be induced in vivo by intravenous infusion of glucosamine or in cells by incubation with glucosamine. However, a publication (Hresko, R. C., et al. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 20658-20668) suggests a trivial explanation of glucosamine-induced insulin resistance whereby intracellular ATP pools are depleted presumably due to the phosphorylation of glucosamine to glucosamine 6-phosphate, a hexosamine pathway intermediate. The reduced ATP level impaired insulin receptor (IR) autophosphorylation and tyrosine kinase activity toward substrates. The present work describes the development and comparison of two methods for inducing insulin resistance, by treating 3T3-L1 adipocytes overnight using either 25 mM glucose/5 nM insulin or 2 mM glucosamine. Under these conditions basal glucose transport rates were comparable with controls. Insulin-stimulated 2-deoxyglucose uptake, however, was reduced by approximately 45% in response to both high glucose/insulin and glucosamine treatment, relative to control cells. The total relative amounts of the insulin-responsive glucose transporter, Glut4, remained constant under both treatment conditions. The relative phosphotyrosine (Tyr(P)) contents of the insulin receptor and its substrate 1 (IRS-1) were assessed in whole cell homogenates. With both methods to induce insulin resistance, IR/IRS-1 Tyr(P) levels were virtually indistinguishable from those in control cells. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt on Ser(473) was not impaired in insulin-resistant cells. Furthermore, the relative Tyr(P) content of the PDGF receptor was comparable in high glucose/insulin- or glucosamine-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes upon subsequent challenge with PDGF. Finally, the relative amounts of glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase and O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase, two important hexosamine pathway enzymes, were similar in both treatments when compared with controls. Thus, 3T3-L1 adipocytes can be used as a model system for studying insulin resistance induced by increased influx of glucose. Under appropriate experimental conditions, glucosamine treatment can mimic the effects of increased glucose flux without impairment of tyrosine phosphorylation-based signaling.

Searching for ways to upregulate GLUT4 glucose transporter expression in muscle

1. Skeletal muscle is a major glucose-utilizing tissue in the absorptive state and alterations in muscle insulin-stimulated glucose uptake lead to derangements in whole body glucose disposal. 2. Furthermore, muscle GLUT4 overexpression in transgenic animals ameliorates insulin resistance associated with obesity or diabetes, which suggests that increasing GLUT4 in muscle by pharmacological intervention may be an effective therapy in insulin-resistant states. 3. This highlights the importance of understanding the pathways that upregulate GLUT4 glucose transporter expression in muscle. 4. We review studies describing the regulation of GLUT4 and the information currently available on the mechanisms that control GLUT4 expression in muscle.

Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2)-binding site is required for GLUT4 gene expression in transgenic mice. Regulation of MEF2 DNA binding activity in insulin-deficient diabetes

We have previously demonstrated that important regulatory elements responsible for regulated expression of the human GLUT4 promoter are located between -1154 and -412 relative to transcription initiation (Olson, A. L., and Pessin, J. E. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 23491-23495). Through further analysis of this promoter regulatory region, we have identified a perfectly conserved myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2)-binding domain (-CTAAAAATAG-) that is necessary, but not sufficient, to support tissue-specific expression of a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene in transgenic mice. Biochemical analysis of this DNA element demonstrated the formation of a specific DNA-protein complex using nuclear extracts isolated from heart, hindquarter skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue but not from liver. DNA binding studies indicated that this element functionally interacted with the MEF2A and/or MEF2C MADS family of DNA binding transcription factors. MEF2 DNA binding activity was substantially reduced in nuclear extracts isolated from both heart and skeletal muscle of diabetic mice, which correlated with decreased transcription rate of the GLUT4 gene. MEF2 binding activity completely recovered to control levels following insulin treatment. Together these data demonstrated that MEF2 binding activity is necessary for regulation of the GLUT4 gene promoter in muscle and adipose tissue.

The role of the GLUT 4 transporter in regulating rat myoblast glucose transport processes

Previous studies revealed an inverse relationship between GLUT 1 and GLUT 4 expression in rat myoblasts [L. Xia, Z. Lu, T.C.Y. Lo, J. Biol. Chem., 268 (1993) 23258-23266]. It was not clear whether these were coincidental or causal occurrences. To examine the regulatory roles of the GLUT 4 isoform, rat L6 myoblasts were transfected with full length GLUT 4 cDNAs (2.5 kb) in the sense or antisense orientation. L6 myoblasts transfected with the GLUT 4 sense cDNA (L6/G4S transfectants) possessed much elevated levels of both endogenous GLUT 4 transcripts (1.4 kb and 2.8 kb). Transport and immunofluorescence studies showed that this GLUT 4 sense cDNA was responsible for a functional GLUT 4 transporter. L6 cells transfected with the GLUT 4 antisense cDNA (L6/G4A transfectants) possessed only 6% of the L6 level in day 6 cultures. These antisense transfectants were essentially devoid of any functional GLUT 4 transporter. The activation of transcription of the endogenous GLUT 4 gene in L6/G4S myoblasts suggested auto-regulation of GLUT 4 expression. GLUT 3 expression and activity were not altered in both sense and antisense GLUT 4 transfectants. More interestingly, GLUT 1 expression was reduced in L6/G4S myoblasts, whereas it was elevated in L6/G4A myoblasts. This was the first direct evidence indicating GLUT 4 might play an important role in suppressing GLUT 1 expression.

A1 adenosine receptor antagonism improves glucose tolerance in Zucker rats

The A1 adenosine receptor (A1ar) antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-(p-acrylic)-phenylxanthine (BW-1433) was administered to lean and obese Zucker rats to probe the influence of endogenously activated A1ars on whole body energy metabolism. The drug induced a transient increase in lipolysis as indicated by a rise in serum glycerol in obese rats. The disappearance of the response by day 7 of chronic studies was accompanied by an increase in A1ar numbers. Glucose tolerance tests were administered to rats treated with BW-1433. Peak serum insulin levels and areas under glucose curves (AUGs) were 34 and 41% lower in treated obese animals than in controls, respectively, and 19 and 39% lower in lean animals. With chronic administration (6 wk), AUGs decreased 47 and 33% in obese and lean animals, respectively. There was no effect of BW-1433 in either lean or obese rats on weight gain or percent body fat. Thus the major sustained influence of whole body A1ar antagonism in both lean and obese animals was an increase in whole body glucose tolerance at lower levels of insulin.

Regulatory elements in the insulin-responsive glucose transporter (GLUT4) gene

GLUT4, the insulin responsive-glucose transporter, mediates the rate limiting step of glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. GLUT4 expression is up-regulated by exercise training and thyroid hormone treatment and is down-regulated by fasting, streptozotocin-induced diabetes, obesity, high-fat diet, and denervation. Since overexpression of GLUT4 in insulin resistant db/db mice and high-fat diet-fed mice has been observed to dramatically improve glycemic control, increasing GLUT4 expression may be an effective strategy with which to alleviate insulin resistance. This review discusses recent findings on the regulation of the GLUT4 gene and on progress in the identification of regulatory elements in the promoter of the gene.

Effects of overexpression of glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT) and glucosamine treatment on translocation of GLUT4 in rat adipose cells

Insulin resistance is associated with diabetes. Hyperglycemia per se causes insulin resistance as well as increased flux of glucose through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway. The rate-limiting enzyme for entry of glucose into this pathway is glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT). To directly evaluate the role of GFAT in modulating insulin-stimulated glucose transport, we co-transfected primary cultures of rat adipose cells with expression vectors for human GFAT as well as an epitope-tagged GLUT4 and examined the effect of overexpressed GFAT on insulin-stimulated translocation of GLUT4. When we measured cell surface tagged GLUT4 in response to insulin, cells overexpressing GFAT and tagged GLUT4 had an insulin-dose response curve that was similar to that of control cells expressing only tagged GLUT4. As an alternative means of increasing flux through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, we incubated adipose cells with glucosamine (a substrate of the pathway downstream from GFAT) and insulin. Interestingly, for short incubation times (4 h) we observed a decrease in both basal and insulin-stimulated glucose transport without a detectable effect on insulin-stimulated translocation of GLUT4. However, for longer incubation times (16 h), we observed a significant decrease in the amount of GLUT4 in the plasma membrane. Our data suggest that products of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway may cause insulin resistance, in part, by acutely decreasing intrinsic activity of GLUT4 as well as chronically altering the amount of GLUT4 at the cell surface.

Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate regulates GLUT4 and GLUT1 glucose transporter expression and stimulates transcriptional activity of the GLUT1 promoter in muscle cells

We have previously reported that innervation-dependent basal contractile activity regulates in an inverse manner the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT4 glucose transporters in skeletal muscle. Based on the facts that muscle innervation decreases and muscle denervation increases cAMP levels, we investigated whether cAMP might mediate the effects of innervation/denervation on glucose transporter expression. Treatment of L6E9 myotubes with 8-bromo-cAMP, forskolin, or monobutyryl-8-bromo-cAMP led to a marked decrease in GLUT4 protein levels; 8-bromo-cAMP also diminished GLUT4 messenger RNA (mRNA), suggesting pretranslational repression. In contrast, L6E9 myoblasts and myotubes responded to 8-bromo-cAMP or forskolin by increasing the cell content of GLUT1 protein. Induction of GLUT1 protein was a consequence of the activation of different mechanisms in myoblast and myotube cells; whereas 8-bromo-cAMP treatment caused a substantial increase in GLUT1 mRNA in myoblasts, no change in GLUT1 mRNA was detected in myotubes. The increase in GLUT1 mRNA in L6E9 myoblasts induced by 8-bromo-cAMP was the result of transcriptional activation, as concluded from transfection analysis of 2.1 kilobases of the rat GLUT1 gene promoter fused to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene. Furthermore, the stimulatory effect of 8-bromo-cAMP on the transcriptional activity of the GLUT1 promoter required a 33-bp sequence lying 5' upstream of the transcription start site. In all, cAMP inversely regulates GLUT4 and GLUT1 glucose transporter expression in muscle cells. Furthermore, our results suggest that down-regulation of GLUT4 expression and up-regulation of GLUT1 expression in muscle associated with denervation are partly attributable to cAMP.

Evidence for posttranscriptional regulation of GLUT4 expression in muscle and adipose tissue from streptozotocin-induced diabetic and benfluorex-treated rats

In this study we explored the expression of GLUT4 glucose carriers in muscle and adipose tissues from streptozotocin-induced diabetic and benfluorex-treated rats. In nondiabetic rats, benfluorex treatment decreased GLUT4 protein content in muscle and brown adipose tissue, with no change in GLUT4 mRNA. This effect occurred in the presence of normal circulating levels of insulin and glucose. Seventeen days after streptozotocin injection, diabetic rats showed a decreased GLUT4 protein content in adipose tissues and in both red and white skeletal muscle. Diabetic rats showed decreased GLUT4 mRNA levels in white and brown adipose tissue, whereas messenger concentrations remained unaltered in red and white fibers of skeletal muscle. The interaction of benfluorex and diabetes on GLUT4 protein expression showed a tissue-specific pattern. Benfluorex treatment to some extent prevented the decrease in GLUT4 protein in white and brown adipose tissue and in white muscle associated with diabetes. In contrast, diabetes and benfluorex caused an additive decrease in GLUT4 expression in red skeletal muscle. The effects of benfluorex on GLUT4 content in tissues from diabetic rats occurred in the absence of alterations in GLUT4 mRNA levels, suggesting a modification of translational or posttranslational steps. Benfluorex did not ameliorate the hyperglycemia of diabetic rats. Our results indicate that red and white skeletal muscle respond to diabetes and benfluorex in a heterogeneous manner, which suggests the existence of differences in the mechanisms that regulate GLUT4 expression. Furthermore, our data indicate that GLUT4 expression in muscle and adipose tissue can be regulated by modification of translational or posttranslational steps.

Transcriptional regulation of the human GLUT4 gene promoter in diabetic transgenic mice

We previously reported that 2400 base pairs (bp) of 5'-flanking DNA is sufficient for tissue-specific and hormonal/metabolic regulation of the human GLUT4 gene in transgenic mice (Liu, M.-L., Olson, A. L., Moye-Rowley, W. S., Buse, J. B., Bell, G. I., and Pessin, J. E. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 11673-11676). To further define the DNA sequences required for GLUT4 expression, we generated transgenic mice carrying 1975, 1639, 1154, 730, and 412 bp of the GLUT4 5'-flank (hG4) fused to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene. The 1975-hG4-CAT, 1639-hG4-CAT, and 1154-hG4-CAT constructs were expressed in a tissue-specific manner identical to the endogenous murine GLUT4 mRNA. Regulation of these reporter gene constructs in insulin-deficient diabetes also paralleled the endogenous gene. In contrast, 730-hG4-CAT was expressed at high levels only in skeletal muscle and at low levels in all of the other tissues examined. Additionally, expression of 412-hG4-CAT was completely unrestricted. Neither the 730-hG4-CAT nor the 412-hG4-CAT reporter genes displayed any insulin-dependent regulation. These data demonstrate that a skeletal muscle-specific DNA element is located within 730 bp of the GLUT4 5'-flanking DNA but that 1154 bp is necessary to direct the full extent of tissue-specific and insulin-dependent regulation of the human GLUT4 gene in transgenic mice.

Glucose transporter gene expression: regulation of transcription and mRNA stability

The facilitated diffusion of D-glucose across the plasma membrane is carried out by a set of stereospecific transport proteins known as the glucose transporters. These integral membrane proteins are members of a gene family where tissue-specific expression of one or more members will determine in part the net rate of glucose entry into the cell. The regulation of glucose transporter gene expression is a critical feature of cellular homeostasis, as defects in specific transporter expression can lead to profound alterations in cellular physiology. In this review, we provide a brief descriptive background on the family of glucose transporters and examine in depth the regulation of the two transporters expressed in adipose tissue, GLUTI, a basal growth-related transporter and GLUT4, the insulin-responsive glucose transporter.

Insulin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate increase prolactin gene expression through different response pathways

Insulin and cAMP stimulate prolactin gene transcription and prolactin-CAT expression in rat pituitary tumor GH cells. Expression of prolactin-CAT construct, pPrl(-173/+75)CAT, is stimulated 10- to 30-fold by either insulin or cAMP. Addition of both insulin and cAMP resulted in an additive 20- to 60-fold stimulation. Although the regulatory sequences have not been defined precisely, both insulin and cAMP appear to stimulate transcription of prolactin-CAT expression through possibly identical sequences in the -106/-87 region of the promoter. Insulin mediated increases in prolactin-CAT expression are not ras-dependent in GH4 cells. Thus, a number of experiments were performed to determine that the effects of insulin and cAMP are independent. First, insulin does not stimulate cAMP levels in GH4 cells. Second, cAMP action was inhibited by expression of a mutant regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A that does not bind cAMP and by expression of an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, while insulin action was not affected by expression of these proteins. Thus, although the regulatory sequences for insulin and cAMP may be identical, the effects of insulin and cAMP on the prolactin gene are clearly mediated through distinct response pathway.

Use of hexose transport mutants to examine the expression and properties of the rat myoblast GLUT 1 transport process

Rat L6 myoblasts were recently shown to possess the GLUT 1, 3 and 4 transporters, and not the GLUT 2 isoform [1]. This investigation examined the expression and properties of the GLUT 1 isoform. GLUT 1 transcript level was significantly reduced in cells grown at high densities and during myogenic differentiation. A comparison of the GLUT 1 and 4 transcript levels in myogenesis-competent and impaired cells revealed an inverse relationship between these two isoforms. This relationship was confirmed by studies using two independent spontaneous GLUT 3- GLUT 4- mutants, M1 and M3. These mutants possessed very high level of the GLUT 1 isoform, but negligible amount of the GLUT 3 and 4 isoforms. GLUT 1 expression was also subject to positive regulation. Glucose starvation was found to increase not only the levels of the GLUT 1 transcript and transporter, but also the intrinsic activity of the GLUT 1 transporter. Studies with M1 and M3 mutants revealed that the GLUT 1 transporter was not functional in glucose-grown cells, even though it was present at a very high level in the plasma membrane. This transporter became functional when cells were starved for glucose. The functional GLUT 1 transporter had an apparent Km value of around 0.9 mM, and was sensitive to cytochalasin B, phloretin, phlorizin and pCMBS.

Facilitative glucose transporters

Facilitative glucose transport is mediated by members of the Glut protein family that belong to a much larger superfamily of 12 transmembrane segment transporters. Six members of the Glut family have been described thus far. These proteins are expressed in a tissue- and cell-specific manner and exhibit distinct kinetic and regulatory properties that reflect their specific functional roles. Glut1 is a widely expressed isoform that provides many cells with their basal glucose requirement. It also plays a special role in transporting glucose across epithelial and endothelial barrier tissues. Glut2 is a high-Km isoform expressed in hepatocytes, pancreatic beta cells, and the basolateral membranes of intestinal and renal epithelial cells. It acts as a high-capacity transport system to allow the uninhibited (non-rate-limiting) flux of glucose into or out of these cell types. Glut3 is a low-Km isoform responsible for glucose uptake into neurons. Glut4 is expressed exclusively in the insulin-sensitive tissues, fat and muscle. It is responsible for increased glucose disposal in these tissues in the postprandial state and is important in whole-body glucose homeostasis. Glut5 is a fructose transporter that is abundant in spermatozoa and the apical membrane of intestinal cells. Glut7 is the transporter present in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane that allows the flux of free glucose out of the lumen of this organelle after the action of glucose-6-phosphatase on glucose 6-phosphate. This review summarizes recent advances concerning the structure, function, and regulation of the Glut proteins.