Characterization of the Role of the Rab GTPase-activating Protein AS160 in Insulin-regulated GLUT4 Trafficking

Identified and potential internalization signals involved in trafficking and regulation of Na+/K+ ATPase activity

The sodium-potassium pump (NKA) or Na+/K+ ATPase consumes around 30-40% of the total energy expenditure of the animal cell on the generation of the sodium and potassium electrochemical gradients that regulate various electrolyte and nutrient transport processes. The vital role of this protein entails proper spatial and temporal regulation of its activity through modulatory mechanisms involving its expression, localization, enzymatic activity, and protein-protein interactions. The residence of the NKA at the plasma membrane is compulsory for its action as an antiporter. Despite the huge body of literature reporting on its trafficking between the cell membrane and intracellular compartments, the mechanisms controlling the trafficking process are by far the least understood. Among the molecular determinants of the plasma membrane proteins trafficking are intrinsic sequence-based endocytic motifs. In this review, we (i) summarize previous reports linking the regulation of Na+/K+ ATPase trafficking and/or plasma membrane residence to its activity, with particular emphasis on the endocytic signals in the Na+/K+ ATPase alpha-subunit, (ii) map additional potential internalization signals within Na+/K+ ATPase catalytic alpha-subunit, based on canonical and noncanonical endocytic motifs reported in the literature, (iii) pinpoint known and potential phosphorylation sites associated with NKA trafficking, (iv) highlight our recent studies on Na+/K+ ATPase trafficking and PGE2-mediated Na+/K+ ATPase modulation in intestine, liver, and kidney cells.

CD36 as a gatekeeper of myocardial lipid metabolism and therapeutic target for metabolic disease

The multifunctional membrane glycoprotein CD36 is expressed in different types of cells and plays a key regulatory role in cellular lipid metabolism, especially in cardiac muscle. CD36 facilitates the cellular uptake of long-chain fatty acids, mediates lipid signaling, and regulates storage and oxidation of lipids in various tissues with active lipid metabolism. CD36 deficiency leads to marked impairments in peripheral lipid metabolism, which consequently impact on the cellular utilization of multiple different fuels because of the integrated nature of metabolism. The functional presence of CD36 at the plasma membrane is regulated by its reversible subcellular recycling from and to endosomes and is under the control of mechanical, hormonal, and nutritional factors. Aberrations in this dynamic role of CD36 are causally associated with various metabolic diseases, in particular insulin resistance, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and cardiac hypertrophy. Recent research in cardiac muscle has disclosed the endosomal proton pump vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (v-ATPase) as a key enzyme regulating subcellular CD36 recycling and being the site of interaction between various substrates to determine cellular substrate preference. In addition, evidence is accumulating that interventions targeting CD36 directly or modulating its subcellular recycling are effective for the treatment of metabolic diseases. In conclusion, subcellular CD36 localization is the major adaptive regulator of cellular uptake and metabolism of long-chain fatty acids and appears a suitable target for metabolic modulation therapy to mend failing hearts.

AMPK and Beyond: The Signaling Network Controlling RabGAPs and Contraction-Mediated Glucose Uptake in Skeletal Muscle

Impaired skeletal muscle glucose uptake is a key feature in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Skeletal muscle glucose uptake can be enhanced by a variety of different stimuli, including insulin and contraction as the most prominent. In contrast to the clearance of glucose from the bloodstream in response to insulin stimulation, exercise-induced glucose uptake into skeletal muscle is unaffected during the progression of insulin resistance, placing physical activity at the center of prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. The two Rab GTPase-activating proteins (RabGAPs), TBC1D1 and TBC1D4, represent critical nodes at the convergence of insulin- and exercise-stimulated signaling pathways, as phosphorylation of the two closely related signaling factors leads to enhanced translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the plasma membrane, resulting in increased cellular glucose uptake. However, the full network of intracellular signaling pathways that control exercise-induced glucose uptake and that overlap with the insulin-stimulated pathway upstream of the RabGAPs is not fully understood. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge on exercise- and insulin-regulated kinases as well as hypoxia as stimulus that may be involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle glucose uptake.

Akt may associate with insulin-responsive vesicles via interaction with sortilin

Insulin-responsive vesicles (IRVs) deliver the glucose transporter Glut4 to the plasma membrane in response to activation of the insulin signaling cascade: insulin receptor-IRS-PI3 kinase-Akt-TBC1D4-Rab10. Previous studies have shown that Akt, TBC1D4, and Rab10 are compartmentalized on the IRVs. Although functionally significant, the mechanism of Akt association with the IRVs remains unknown. Using pull-down assays, immunofluorescence microscopy, and cross-linking, we have found that Akt may be recruited to the IRVs via the interaction with the juxtamembrane domain of the cytoplasmic C terminus of sortilin, a major IRV protein. Overexpression of full-length sortilin increases insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of TBC1D4 and glucose uptake in adipocytes, while overexpression of the cytoplasmic tail of sortilin has the opposite effect. Our findings demonstrate that the IRVs represent both a scaffold and a target of insulin signaling.

Regulation of Macronutrients in Insulin Resistance and Glucose Homeostasis during Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Insulin resistance is an important feature of metabolic syndrome and a precursor of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Overnutrition-induced obesity is a major risk factor for the development of insulin resistance and T2DM. The intake of macronutrients plays a key role in maintaining energy balance. The components of macronutrients distinctly regulate insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. Precisely adjusting the beneficial food compound intake is important for the prevention of insulin resistance and T2DM. Here, we reviewed the effects of different components of macronutrients on insulin sensitivity and their underlying mechanisms, including fructose, dietary fiber, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and amino acids. Understanding the diet-gene interaction will help us to better uncover the molecular mechanisms of T2DM and promote the application of precision nutrition in practice by integrating multi-omics analysis.

The lysosomal LAMTOR / Ragulator complex is essential for nutrient homeostasis in brown adipose tissue

OBJECTIVE

In brown adipose tissue (iBAT), the balance between lipid/glucose uptake and lipolysis is tightly regulated by insulin signaling. Downstream of the insulin receptor, PDK1 and mTORC2 phosphorylate AKT, which activates glucose uptake and lysosomal mTORC1 signaling. The latter requires the late endosomal/lysosomal adaptor and MAPK and mTOR activator (LAMTOR/Ragulator) complex, which serves to translate the nutrient status of the cell to the respective kinase. However, the role of LAMTOR in metabolically active iBAT has been elusive.

METHODS

Using an AdipoqCRE-transgenic mouse line, we deleted LAMTOR2 (and thereby the entire LAMTOR complex) in adipose tissue (LT2 AKO). To examine the metabolic consequences, we performed metabolic and biochemical studies in iBAT isolated from mice housed at different temperatures (30 °C, room temperature and 5 °C), after insulin treatment, or in fasted and refed condition. For mechanistic studies, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking LAMTOR 2 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Deletion of the LAMTOR complex in mouse adipocytes resulted in insulin-independent AKT hyperphosphorylation in iBAT, causing increased glucose and fatty acid uptake, which led to massively enlarged lipid droplets. As LAMTOR2 was essential for the upregulation of de novo lipogenesis, LAMTOR2 deficiency triggered exogenous glucose storage as glycogen in iBAT. These effects are cell autonomous, since AKT hyperphosphorylation was abrogated by PI3K inhibition or by deletion of the mTORC2 component Rictor in LAMTOR2-deficient MEFs.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a homeostatic circuit for the maintenance of iBAT metabolism that links the LAMTOR-mTORC1 pathway to PI3K-mTORC2-AKT signaling downstream of the insulin receptor.

Analysis of Wild Type and Variant B Cystatin C Interactome in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells Reveals Variant B Interacting Mitochondrial Proteins

Cystatin C, a secreted cysteine protease inhibitor, is abundantly expressed in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. A mutation in the protein's leader sequence, corresponding to formation of an alternate variant B protein, has been linked with an increased risk for both age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Variant B cystatin C displays intracellular mistrafficking with partial mitochondrial association. We hypothesized that variant B cystatin C interacts with mitochondrial proteins and impacts mitochondrial function. We sought to determine how the interactome of the disease-related variant B cystatin C differs from that of the wild-type (WT) form. For this purpose, we expressed cystatin C Halo-tag fusion constructs in RPE cells to pull down proteins interacting with either the WT or variant B form, followed by identification and quantification by mass spectrometry. We identified a total of 28 interacting proteins, of which 8 were exclusively pulled down by variant B cystatin C. These included 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) and cytochrome B5 type B, both of which are localized to the mitochondrial outer membrane. Variant B cystatin C expression also affected RPE mitochondrial function with increased membrane potential and susceptibility to damage-induced ROS production. The findings help us to understand how variant B cystatin C differs functionally from the WT form and provide leads to RPE processes adversely affected by the variant B genotype.

Investigating microRNAs in diabetic cardiomyopathy as tools for early detection and therapeutics

To profile microRNAs population of glucose-induced cardiomyoblast cell line and identify the differentially expressed microRNAs and their role under pre-diabetes and diabetes condition in vitro. Rat fetal ventricular cardiomyoblast cell line H9c2 was treated with D-glucose to mimic pre-diabetic, diabetic, and high-glucose conditions. Alteration in cellular, nuclear morphology, and change in ROS generation was analyzed through fluorescent staining. Small RNA sequencing was performed using Illumina NextSeq 550 sequencer and was validated using stem-loop qRT-PCR. A large number (~ 100) differential miRNAs were detected in each treated samples as compared to control; however, a similar expression pattern was observed between pre-diabetes and diabetes conditions with the exception for miR-429, miR-101b-5p, miR-503-3p, miR-384-5p, miR-412-5p, miR-672-5p, and miR-532-3p. Functional annotation of differential expressed target genes revealed their involvement in significantly enriched key pathways associated with diabetic cardiomyopathy. For the first time, we report the differential expression of miRNAs (miR-1249, miR-3596d, miR- 3586-3p, miR-7b-3p, miR-191, miR-330-3p, miR-328a, let7i-5p, miR-146-3p, miR-26a-3p) in diabetes-induced cardiac cells. Hyperglycemia threatens the cell homeostasis by dysregulation of miRNAs that begins at a glucose level 10 mM and remains undetected. Analysis of differential expressed miRNAs in pre-diabetes and diabetes conditions and their role in regulatory mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy holds high potential in the direction of using miRNAs as minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

A high-content endogenous GLUT4 trafficking assay reveals new aspects of adipocyte biology

Insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane in muscle and adipocytes is crucial for whole-body glucose homeostasis. Currently, GLUT4 trafficking assays rely on overexpression of tagged GLUT4. Here we describe a high-content imaging platform for studying endogenous GLUT4 translocation in intact adipocytes. This method enables high fidelity analysis of GLUT4 responses to specific perturbations, multiplexing of other trafficking proteins and other features including lipid droplet morphology. Using this multiplexed approach we showed that Vps45 and Rab14 are selective regulators of GLUT4, but Trarg1, Stx6, Stx16, Tbc1d4 and Rab10 knockdown affected both GLUT4 and TfR translocation. Thus, GLUT4 and TfR translocation machinery likely have some overlap upon insulin-stimulation. In addition, we identified Kif13A, a Rab10 binding molecular motor, as a novel regulator of GLUT4 traffic. Finally, comparison of endogenous to overexpressed GLUT4 highlights that the endogenous GLUT4 methodology has an enhanced sensitivity to genetic perturbations and emphasises the advantage of studying endogenous protein trafficking for drug discovery and genetic analysis of insulin action in relevant cell types.

Trafficking regulator of GLUT4-1 (TRARG1) is a GSK3 substrate

Trafficking regulator of GLUT4-1, TRARG1, positively regulates insulin-stimulated GLUT4 trafficking and insulin sensitivity. However, the mechanism(s) by which this occurs remain(s) unclear. Using biochemical and mass spectrometry analyses we found that TRARG1 is dephosphorylated in response to insulin in a PI3K/Akt-dependent manner and is a novel substrate for GSK3. Priming phosphorylation of murine TRARG1 at serine 84 allows for GSK3-directed phosphorylation at serines 72, 76 and 80. A similar pattern of phosphorylation was observed in human TRARG1, suggesting that our findings are translatable to human TRARG1. Pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 increased cell surface GLUT4 in cells stimulated with a submaximal insulin dose, and this was impaired following Trarg1 knockdown, suggesting that TRARG1 acts as a GSK3-mediated regulator in GLUT4 trafficking. These data place TRARG1 within the insulin signaling network and provide insights into how GSK3 regulates GLUT4 trafficking in adipocytes.

Three live-imaging techniques for comprehensively understanding the initial trigger for insulin-responsive intracellular GLUT4 trafficking

Quantitative features of GLUT4 glucose transporter's behavior deep inside cells remain largely unknown. Our previous analyses with live-cell imaging of intracellular GLUT4 trafficking demonstrated two crucial early events responsible for triggering insulin-responsive translocation processes, namely, heterotypic fusion and liberation. To quantify the regulation, interrelationships, and dynamics of the initial events more accurately and comprehensively, we herein applied three analyses, each based on our distinct dual-color live-cell imaging approaches. With these approaches, heterotypic fusion was found to be the first trigger for insulin-responsive GLUT4 redistributions, preceding liberation, and to be critically regulated by Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160) and actin dynamics. In addition, demonstrating the subcellular regional dependence of GLUT4 dynamics revealed that liberated GLUT4 molecules are promptly incorporated into the trafficking itinerary of transferrin receptors. Our approaches highlight the physiological significance of endosomal "GLUT4 molecule trafficking" rather than "GLUT4 vesicle delivery" to the plasma membrane in response to insulin.

GLUT4 On the move

Insulin rapidly stimulates GLUT4 translocation and glucose transport in fat and muscle cells. Signals from the occupied insulin receptor are translated into downstream signalling changes in serine/threonine kinases within timescales of seconds, and this is followed by delivery and accumulation of the glucose transporter GLUT4 at the plasma membrane. Kinetic studies have led to realisation that there are distinct phases of this stimulation by insulin. There is a rapid initial burst of GLUT4 delivered to the cell surface from a subcellular reservoir compartment and this is followed by a steady-state level of continuing stimulation in which GLUT4 recycles through a large itinerary of subcellular locations. Here, we provide an overview of the phases of insulin stimulation of GLUT4 translocation and the molecules that are currently considered to activate these trafficking steps. Furthermore, we suggest how use of new experimental approaches together with phospho-proteomic data may help to further identify mechanisms for activation of these trafficking processes.

Ubiquitin-like processing of TUG proteins as a mechanism to regulate glucose uptake and energy metabolism in fat and muscle

In response to insulin stimulation, fat and muscle cells mobilize GLUT4 glucose transporters to the cell surface to enhance glucose uptake. Ubiquitin-like processing of TUG (Aspscr1, UBXD9) proteins is a central mechanism to regulate this process. Here, recent advances in this area are reviewed. The data support a model in which intact TUG traps insulin-responsive "GLUT4 storage vesicles" at the Golgi matrix by binding vesicle cargoes with its N-terminus and matrix proteins with its C-terminus. Insulin stimulation liberates these vesicles by triggering endoproteolytic cleavage of TUG, mediated by the Usp25m protease. Cleavage occurs in fat and muscle cells, but not in fibroblasts or other cell types. Proteolytic processing of intact TUG generates TUGUL, a ubiquitin-like protein modifier, as the N-terminal cleavage product. In adipocytes, TUGUL modifies a single protein, the KIF5B kinesin motor, which carries GLUT4 and other vesicle cargoes to the cell surface. In muscle, this or another motor may be modified. After cleavage of intact TUG, the TUG C-terminal product is extracted from the Golgi matrix by the p97 (VCP) ATPase. In both muscle and fat, this cleavage product enters the nucleus, binds PPARγ and PGC-1α, and regulates gene expression to promote fatty acid oxidation and thermogenesis. The stability of the TUG C-terminal product is regulated by an Ate1 arginyltransferase-dependent N-degron pathway, which may create a feedback mechanism to control oxidative metabolism. Although it is now clear that TUG processing coordinates glucose uptake with other aspects of physiology and metabolism, many questions remain about how this pathway is regulated and how it is altered in metabolic disease in humans.

Role of Akt isoforms in neuronal insulin signaling and resistance

The aim of the present study was to determine the role of Akt isoforms in insulin signaling and resistance in neuronal cells. By silencing Akt isoforms individually and in pairs, in Neuro-2a and HT22 cells we observed that, in insulin-sensitive condition, Akt isoforms differentially reduced activation of AS160 and glucose uptake with Akt2 playing the major role. Under insulin-resistant condition, phosphorylation of all isoforms and glucose uptake were severely affected. Over-expression of individual isoforms in insulin-sensitive and resistant cells differentially reversed AS160 phosphorylation with concomitant reversal in glucose uptake indicating a compensatory role of Akt isoforms in controlling neuronal insulin signaling. Post-insulin stimulation Akt2 translocated to the membrane the most followed by Akt3 and Akt1, decreasing glucose uptake in the similar order in insulin-sensitive cells. None of the Akt isoforms translocated in insulin-resistant cells or high-fat-diet mediated diabetic mice brain cells. Based on our data, insulin-dependent differential translocation of Akt isoforms to the plasma membrane turns out to be the key factor in determining Akt isoform specificity. Thus, isoforms play parallel with predominant role by Akt2, and compensatory yet novel role by Akt1 and Akt3 to regulate neuronal insulin signaling, glucose uptake, and insulin-resistance.

AKT ISOFORMS-AS160-GLUT4: The defining axis of insulin resistance

The Akt isoforms-AS160-GLUT4 axis is the primary axis that governs glucose homeostasis in the body. The first step on the path to insulin resistance is deregulated Akt isoforms. This could be Akt isoform expression, its phosphorylation, or improper isoform-specific redistribution to the plasma membrane in a specific tissue system. The second step is deregulated AS160 expression, its phosphorylation, improper dissociation from glucose transporter storage vesicles (GSVs), or its inability to bind to 14-3-3 proteins, thus not allowing it to execute its function. The final step is improper GLUT4 translocation and aberrant glucose uptake. These processes lead to insulin resistance in a tissue-specific way affecting the whole-body glucose homeostasis, eventually progressing to an overt diabetic phenotype. Thus, the relationship between these three key proteins and their proper regulation comes out as the defining axis of insulin signaling and -resistance. This review summarizes the role of this central axis in insulin resistance and disease in a new light.

Neuregulin 4 Downregulation Induces Insulin Resistance in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes through Inflammation and Autophagic Degradation of GLUT4 Vesicles

The adipokine Neuregulin 4 (Nrg4) protects against obesity-induced insulin resistance. Here, we analyze how the downregulation of Nrg4 influences insulin action and the underlying mechanisms in adipocytes. Validated shRNA lentiviral vectors were used to generate scramble (Scr) and Nrg4 knockdown (KD) 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Adipogenesis was unaffected in Nrg4 KD adipocytes, but there was a complete impairment of the insulin-induced 2-deoxyglucose uptake, which was likely the result of reduced insulin receptor and Glut4 protein. Downregulation of Nrg4 enhanced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Anti-inflammatory agents recovered the insulin receptor, but not Glut4, content. Proteins enriched in Glut4 storage vesicles such as the insulin-responsive aminopeptidase (IRAP) and Syntaxin-6 as well as TBC1D4, a protein involved in the intracellular retention of Glut4 vesicles, also decreased by Nrg4 KD. Insulin failed to reduce autophagy in Nrg4 KD adipocytes, observed by a minor effect on mTOR phosphorylation, at the time that proteins involved in autophagy such as LC3-II, Rab11, and Clathrin were markedly upregulated. The lysosomal activity inhibitor bafilomycin A1 restored Glut4, IRAP, Syntaxin-6, and TBC1D4 content to those found in control adipocytes. Our study reveals that Nrg4 preserves the insulin responsiveness by preventing inflammation and, in turn, benefits the insulin regulation of autophagy.

Culprits or consequences: Understanding the metabolic dysregulation of muscle in diabetes

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) continues to rise despite the amount of research dedicated to finding the culprits of this debilitating disease. Skeletal muscle is arguably the most important contributor to glucose disposal making it a clear target in insulin resistance and T2D research. Within skeletal muscle there is a clear link to metabolic dysregulation during the progression of T2D but the determination of culprits vs consequences of the disease has been elusive. Emerging evidence in skeletal muscle implicates influential cross talk between a key anabolic regulatory protein, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its associated complexes (mTORC1 and mTORC2), and the well-described canonical signaling for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. This new understanding of cellular signaling crosstalk has blurred the lines of what is a culprit and what is a consequence with regard to insulin resistance. Here, we briefly review the most recent understanding of insulin signaling in skeletal muscle, and how anabolic responses favoring anabolism directly impact cellular glucose disposal. This review highlights key cross-over interactions between protein and glucose regulatory pathways and the implications this may have for the design of new therapeutic targets for the control of glucoregulatory function in skeletal muscle.

CD36 as a target for metabolic modulation therapy in cardiac disease

Introduction: Disturbances in myocardial lipid metabolism are increasingly being recognized as drivers of the development and progression of heart disease. Therefore, there is a need for treatments that can directly target lipid metabolic defects in heart failure. The membrane-associated glycoprotein CD36 plays a pivotal role in governing myocardial lipid metabolism by mediating lipid signaling and facilitating the cellular uptake of long-chain fatty acids. Emerging evidence suggests that CD36 is a prominent target in the treatment of heart failure.Areas covered: This article provides an overview of the key role of CD36 for proper contractile functioning of a healthy heart, its implications in the development of cardiac disease (ischemia/reperfusion, cardiac hypertrophy, and diabetic cardiomyopathy), and its application as a target to normalize cardiac metabolism as part of so-called metabolic modulation therapy.Expert opinion: CD36 appears a promising and effective therapeutic target in the treatment of heart failure. Natural compounds and chemical agents known to alter the amount or subcellular distribution of CD36 or inhibit its functioning, should be evaluated for their potency to correct cardiac metabolism and cure heart disease.

AKT/AMPK-mediated phosphorylation of TBC1D4 disrupts the interaction with insulin-regulated aminopeptidase

TBC1D4 is a 160 kDa multidomain Rab GTPase-activating protein (RabGAP) and a downstream target of the insulin- and contraction-activated kinases AKT and AMPK. Phosphorylation of TBC1D4 has been linked to translocation of GLUT4 from storage vesicles (GSVs) to the cell surface. However, its impact on enzymatic activity is not well understood, as previous studies mostly investigated the truncated GAP domain lacking the known phosphorylation sites. In the present study, we expressed and purified recombinant full-length TBC1D4 using a baculovirus system. Size-exclusion chromatography and coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that full-length TBC1D4 forms oligomers of ∼600 kDa. Compared with the truncated GAP domain, full-length TBC1D4 displayed similar substrate specificity, but had a markedly higher specific GAP activity toward Rab10. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, we mapped 19 Ser/Thr phosphorylation sites in TBC1D4. We determined Michaelis–Menten kinetics using in vitro phosphorylation assays with purified kinases and stable isotope-labeled γ-[¹⁸O₄]-ATP. These data revealed that Ser³²⁴ (K_M ∼6 μM) and Thr⁶⁴⁹ (K_M ∼25 μM) were preferential sites for phosphorylation by AKT, whereas Ser³⁴⁸, Ser⁵⁷⁷, Ser⁵⁹⁵ (K_M ∼10 μM), Ser⁷¹¹ (K_M ∼79 μM), and Ser⁷⁶⁴ were found to be preferred targets for AMPK. Phosphorylation of TBC1D4 by AKT or AMPK did not alter the intrinsic RabGAP activity, but did disrupt interaction with insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP), a resident protein of GSVs implicated in GLUT4 trafficking. These findings provide evidence that insulin and contraction may regulate TBC1D4 function primarily by disrupting the recruitment of the RabGAP to GLUT4 vesicles.

Insulin-promoted mobilization of GLUT4 from a perinuclear storage site requires RAB10

Insulin controls glucose uptake into muscle and fat cells by inducing a net redistribution of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) from intracellular storage to the plasma membrane (PM). The TBC1D4-RAB10 signaling module is required for insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation to the PM, although where it intersects GLUT4 traffic was unknown. Here we demonstrate that TBC1D4-RAB10 functions to control GLUT4 mobilization from a trans-Golgi network (TGN) storage compartment, establishing that insulin, in addition to regulating the PM proximal effects of GLUT4-containing vesicles docking to and fusion with the PM, also directly regulates the behavior of GLUT4 deeper within the cell. We also show that GLUT4 is retained in an element/domain of the TGN from which newly synthesized lysosomal proteins are targeted to the late endosomes and the ATP7A copper transporter is translocated to the PM by elevated copper. Insulin does not mobilize ATP7A nor does copper mobilize GLUT4, and RAB10 is not required for copper-elicited ATP7A mobilization. Consequently, GLUT4 intracellular sequestration and mobilization by insulin is achieved, in part, through utilizing a region of the TGN devoted to specialized cargo transport in general rather than being specific for GLUT4. Our results define the GLUT4-containing region of the TGN as a sorting and storage site from which different cargo are mobilized by distinct signals through unique molecular machinery.

Control of IFN-I responses by the aminopeptidase IRAP in neonatal C57BL/6 alveolar macrophages during RSV infection

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the major cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants, in whom, the sensing of RSV by innate immune receptors and its regulation are still poorly described. However, the severe bronchiolitis following RSV infection in neonates has been associated with a defect in type I interferons (IFN-I) production, a cytokine produced mainly by alveolar macrophages (AMs) upon RSV infection in adults. In the present study, neonatal C57BL/6 AMs mobilized very weakly the IFN-I pathway upon RSV infection in vitro and failed to restrain virus replication. However, IFN-I productions by neonatal AMs were substantially increased by the deletion of Insulin-Responsive AminoPeptidase (IRAP), a protein previously involved in the regulation of IFN-I production by dendritic cells. Moreover, neonatal IRAP^KO AMs showed a higher expression of IFN-stimulated genes than their wild-type C57BL/6 counterpart. Interestingly, depletion of IRAP did not affect adult AM responses. Finally, we demonstrated that newborn IRAP^KO mice infected with RSV had more IFN-I in their lungs and eliminated the virus more efficiently than WT neonates. Taken together, early-life susceptibility to RSV infection may be related to an original age-dependent suppressive function of IRAP on the IFN-I driven-antiviral responses in neonatal AMs.

The multifaceted role of cell cycle regulators in the coordination of growth and metabolism

Adapting to changes in nutrient availability and environmental conditions is a fundamental property of cells. This adaptation requires a multi‐directional coordination between metabolism, growth, and the cell cycle regulators (consisting of the family of cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs), their regulatory subunits known as cyclins, CDK inhibitors, the retinoblastoma family members, and the E2F transcription factors). Deciphering the mechanisms accountable for this coordination is crucial for understanding various patho‐physiological processes. While it is well established that metabolism and growth affect cell division, this review will focus on recent observations that demonstrate how cell cycle regulators coordinate metabolism, cell cycle progression, and growth. We will discuss how the cell cycle regulators directly regulate metabolic enzymes and pathways and summarize their involvement in the endolysosomal pathway and in the functions and dynamics of mitochondria.

The Role of Insulin Regulated Aminopeptidase in Endocytic Trafficking and Receptor Signaling in Immune Cells

Insulin regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) is a type II transmembrane protein with broad tissue distribution initially identified as a major component of Glut4 storage vesicles (GSV) in adipocytes. Despite its almost ubiquitous expression, IRAP had been extensively studied mainly in insulin responsive cells, such as adipocytes and muscle cells. In these cells, the enzyme displays a complex intracellular trafficking pattern regulated by insulin. Early studies using fusion proteins joining the IRAP cytosolic domain to various reporter proteins, such as GFP or the transferrin receptor (TfR), showed that the complex and regulated trafficking of the protein depends on its cytosolic domain. This domain contains several motifs involved in IRAP trafficking, as demonstrated by mutagenesis studies. Also, proteomic studies and yeast two-hybrid experiments showed that the IRAP cytosolic domain engages in multiple protein interactions with cytoskeleton components and vesicular trafficking adaptors. These findings led to the hypothesis that IRAP is not only a cargo of GSV but might be a part of the sorting machinery that controls GSV dynamics. Recent work in adipocytes, immune cells, and neurons confirmed this hypothesis and demonstrated that IRAP has a dual function. Its carboxy-terminal domain located inside endosomes is responsible for the aminopeptidase activity of the enzyme, while its amino-terminal domain located in the cytosol functions as an endosomal trafficking adaptor. In this review, we recapitulate the published protein interactions of IRAP and summarize the increasing body of evidence indicating that IRAP plays a role in intracellular trafficking of several proteins. We describe the impact of IRAP deletion or depletion on endocytic trafficking and the consequences on immune cell functions. These include the ability of dendritic cells to cross-present antigens and prime adaptive immune responses, as well as the control of innate and adaptive immune receptor signaling and modulation of inflammatory responses.

Building GLUT4 Vesicles: CHC22 Clathrin's Human Touch

Insulin stimulates glucose transport by triggering regulated delivery of intracellular vesicles containing the GLUT4 glucose transporter to the plasma membrane. This process is defective in diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM). While studies in rodent cells have been invaluable in understanding GLUT4 traffic, evolutionary plasticity must be considered when extrapolating these findings to humans. Recent work has identified species-specific distinctions in GLUT4 traffic, notably the participation of a novel clathrin isoform, CHC22, in humans but not rodents. Here, we discuss GLUT4 sorting in different species and how studies of CHC22 have identified new routes for GLUT4 trafficking. We further consider how different sorting-protein complexes relate to these routes and discuss other implications of these pathways in cell biology and disease.

In Vivo Visual Screen for Dopaminergic Rab ↔ LRRK2-G2019S Interactions in Drosophila Discriminates Rab10 from Rab3

LRRK2 mutations cause Parkinson's, but the molecular link from increased kinase activity to pathological neurodegeneration remains undetermined. Previous in vitro assays indicate that LRRK2 substrates include at least 8 Rab GTPases. We have now examined this hypothesis in vivo in a functional, electroretinogram screen, expressing each Rab with/without LRRK2-G2019S in selected Drosophila dopaminergic neurons. Our screen discriminated Rab10 from Rab3. The strongest Rab/LRRK2-G2019S interaction is with Rab10; the weakest with Rab3. Rab10 is expressed in a different set of dopaminergic neurons from Rab3. Thus, anatomical and physiological patterns of Rab10 are related. We conclude that Rab10 is a valid substrate of LRRK2 in dopaminergic neurons in vivo We propose that variations in Rab expression contribute to differences in the rate of neurodegeneration recorded in different dopaminergic nuclei in Parkinson's.

Long-term dietary administration of diethyl phthalate triggers loss of insulin sensitivity in two key insulin target tissues of mice

Over the past years, a growing body of work has linked numerous pervasive environmental chemicals with a multitude of adverse reproductive, developmental, behavioral, and metabolic changes in humans and animal models. Plasticizers include a wide variety of phthalate esters that are extensively used in a host of personal day care and cosmetic products. Many population-based studies have indicated a close association between diethyl phthalate (DEP) and diabetes albeit the mechanisms remain much unexplored. Presently, we report that long-term dietary administration of DEP to adult male Swiss albino mice at two different concentrations mirroring the recommended tolerable doses, severely impaired insulin signaling in hepatocytes and adipocytes. This was concomitant with sustained oxidative stress from the overactivation of NADPH oxidase 2, a major intracellular source of reactive oxygen species, in both the cell types. The present study provides evidences of the onset of insulin resistance in mice after chronic exposure to DEP in diet even at lower levels. This, in turn, can have serious pathological consequences with ultimate manifestations of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Thus, by disrupting the central metabolic function of liver and adipose tissue, the key insulin target tissues, daily exposure to phthalates in plastics can potentially contribute to the alarming prevalence of MetS in recent times.

Mechanical Postconditioning Promotes Glucose Metabolism and AMPK Activity in Parallel with Improved Post-Ischemic Recovery in an Isolated Rat Heart Model of Donation after Circulatory Death

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) could improve donor heart availability; however, warm ischemia-reperfusion injury raises concerns about graft quality. Mechanical postconditioning (MPC) may limit injury, but mechanisms remain incompletely characterized. Therefore, we investigated the roles of glucose metabolism and key signaling molecules in MPC using an isolated rat heart model of DCD. Hearts underwent 20 min perfusion, 30 min global ischemia, and 60 minu reperfusion with or without MPC (two cycles: 30 s reperfusion—30 s ischemia). Despite identical perfusion conditions, MPC either significantly decreased (low recovery = LoR; 32 ± 5%; p < 0.05), or increased (high recovery = HiR; 59 ± 7%; p < 0.05) the recovery of left ventricular work compared with no MPC (47 ± 9%). Glucose uptake and glycolysis were increased in HiR vs. LoR hearts (p < 0.05), but glucose oxidation was unchanged. Furthermore, in HiR vs. LoR hearts, phosphorylation of raptor, a downstream target of AMPK, increased (p < 0.05), cytochrome c release (p < 0.05) decreased, and TNFα content tended to decrease. Increased glucose uptake and glycolysis, lower mitochondrial damage, and a trend towards decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines occurred specifically in HiR vs. LoR MPC hearts, which may result from greater AMPK activation. Thus, we identify endogenous cellular mechanisms that occur specifically with cardioprotective MPC, which could be elicited in the development of effective reperfusion strategies for DCD cardiac grafts.

BAG6 contributes to glucose uptake by supporting the cell surface translocation of the glucose transporter GLUT4

Defective translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the cell surface is a key feature of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. Therefore, elucidating the mechanism of GLUT4 translocation is of primary importance. The mammalian Bag6/Bat3 gene has been suggested to be linked with potential obesity- and diabetes-associated loci, while its function in the control of glucose incorporation into the cytoplasm has not been investigated. In this study, we established a series of cell lines that stably expressed GLUT4 with three tandem repeats of the antigenic peptide inserted into its 1st extracellular loop. With these cell lines, we found that the depletion of endogenous BAG6 downregulated the cell surface expression of GLUT4, concomitant with the reduced incorporation of a glucose analog into the cells. Defective intracellular translocation of GLUT4 in BAG6-depleted cells is similar to the case observed for the depletion of Rab8a, an essential regulator of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation. In addition, we observed that the assembly of syntaxin 6 into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane was slightly disturbed under BAG6 depletion. Given that Rab8a and syntaxin 6 are critical for GLUT4 translocation, we suggest that BAG6 may play multiple roles in the trafficking of glucose transporters to the cell surface.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Summary: BAG6 is critical for the insulin-stimulated translocation of GLUT4 from its peri-nuclear storage compartments to the cell surface.

GluT4: A central player in hippocampal memory and brain insulin resistance

Insulin is now well-established as playing multiple roles within the brain, and specifically as regulating hippocampal cognitive processes and metabolism. Impairments to insulin signaling, such as those seen in type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, are associated with brain hypometabolism and cognitive impairment, but the mechanisms of insulin's central effects are not determined. Several lines of research converge to suggest that the insulin-responsive glucose transporter GluT4 plays a central role in hippocampal memory processes, and that reduced activation of this transporter may underpin the cognitive impairments seen as a consequence of insulin resistance.

Hepatic Rab24 controls blood glucose homeostasis via improving mitochondrial plasticity

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a key feature of obesity-related type 2 diabetes with increasing prevalence worldwide. To our knowledge, no treatment options are available to date, paving the way for more severe liver damage, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we show an unexpected function for an intracellular trafficking regulator, the small Rab GTPase Rab24, in mitochondrial fission and activation, which has an immediate impact on hepatic and systemic energy homeostasis. RAB24 is highly upregulated in the livers of obese patients with NAFLD and positively correlates with increased body fat in humans. Liver-selective inhibition of Rab24 increases autophagic flux and mitochondrial connectivity, leading to a strong improvement in hepatic steatosis and a reduction in serum glucose and cholesterol levels in obese mice. Our study highlights a potential therapeutic application of trafficking regulators, such as RAB24, for NAFLD and establishes a conceptual functional connection between intracellular transport and systemic metabolic dysfunction.

Regulation of glucose transport by RhoA in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and L6 myoblasts

RhoA is a key player in actin cytoskeleton reorganization and exerts most of its effect through the RhoA-ROCKs signaling pathway. Although recent studies have stressed the roles of ROCKs as regulators of glucose metabolism, little is known of the roles played by RhoA, the upstream regulators of ROCKs and other isotypes of Rho small-GTPases. This study was undertaken to determine whether Rho isotypes modulate glucose transport and insulin signaling in insulin-sensitive cell models, that is, 3T3-L1 adipocytes and L6 myoblasts. Glucose uptake assays showed that RhoA knockdown using siRNA reduced insulin-stimulated glucose transport in both cell types, whereas knockdown of RhoB or RhoC did not. Furthermore, RhoA overexpression increased insulin-stimulated glucose transport. Interestingly, the insulin-stimulated PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was unaffected under RhoA-depleted or -overexpressed conditions, which suggested RhoA might regulate glucose transport via an Akt-independent pathway. Interestingly, an immunoblot assay of signaling molecules related to actin-myosin cytoskeletal remodeling showed that unlike RhoA or RhoC, RhoA regulated ERM phosphorylation. Our results suggest that RhoA, but not RhoB or RhoC, mediates glucose transport by regulating the vesicle trafficking machinery in an Akt-independent manner.

GLUT4 Storage Vesicles: Specialized Organelles for Regulated Trafficking

Fat and muscle cells contain a specialized, intracellular organelle known as the GLUT4 storage vesicle (GSV). Insulin stimulation mobilizes GSVs, so that these vesicles fuse at the cell surface and insert GLUT4 glucose transporters into the plasma membrane. This example is likely one instance of a broader paradigm for regulated, non-secretory exocytosis, in which intracellular vesicles are translocated in response to diverse extracellular stimuli. GSVs have been studied extensively, yet these vesicles remain enigmatic. Data support the view that in unstimulated cells, GSVs are present as a pool of preformed small vesicles, which are distinct from endosomes and other membrane-bound organelles. In adipocytes, GSVs contain specific cargoes including GLUT4, IRAP, LRP1, and sortilin. They are formed by membrane budding, involving sortilin and probably CHC22 clathrin in humans, but the donor compartment from which these vesicles form remains uncertain. In unstimulated cells, GSVs are trapped by TUG proteins near the endoplasmic reticulum - Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC). Insulin signals through two main pathways to mobilize these vesicles. Signaling by the Akt kinase modulates Rab GTPases to target the GSVs to the cell surface. Signaling by the Rho-family GTPase TC10α stimulates Usp25m-mediated TUG cleavage to liberate the vesicles from the Golgi. Cleavage produces a ubiquitin-like protein modifier, TUGUL, that links the GSVs to KIF5B kinesin motors to promote their movement to the cell surface. In obesity, attenuation of these processes results in insulin resistance and contributes to type 2 diabetes and may simultaneously contribute to hypertension and dyslipidemia in the metabolic syndrome.

Functional genetic variants can mediate their regulatory effects through alteration of transcription factor binding

Functional variants in the genome are usually identified by their association with local gene expression, DNA methylation or chromatin states. DNA sequence motif analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies have provided indirect support for the hypothesis that functional variants alter transcription factor binding to exert their effects. In this study, we provide direct evidence that functional variants can alter transcription factor binding. We identify a multifunctional variant within the TBC1D4 gene encoding a canonical NFκB binding site, and edited it using CRISPR-Cas9 to remove this site. We show that this editing reduces TBC1D4 expression, local chromatin accessibility and binding of the p65 component of NFκB. We then used CRISPR without genomic editing to guide p65 back to the edited locus, demonstrating that this re-targeting, occurring ~182 kb from the gene promoter, is enough to restore the function of the locus, supporting the central role of transcription factors mediating the effects of functional variants.

Thirty sweet years of GLUT4

A pivotal metabolic function of insulin is the stimulation of glucose uptake into muscle and adipose tissues. The discovery of the insulin-responsive glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) protein in 1988 inspired its molecular cloning in the following year. It also spurred numerous cellular mechanistic studies laying the foundations for how insulin regulates glucose uptake by muscle and fat cells. Here, we reflect on the importance of the GLUT4 discovery and chronicle additional key findings made in the past 30 years. That exocytosis of a multispanning membrane protein regulates cellular glucose transport illuminated a novel adaptation of the secretory pathway, which is to transiently modulate the protein composition of the cellular plasma membrane. GLUT4 controls glucose transport into fat and muscle tissues in response to insulin and also into muscle during exercise. Thus, investigation of regulated GLUT4 trafficking provides a major means by which to map the essential signaling components that transmit the effects of insulin and exercise. Manipulation of the expression of GLUT4 or GLUT4-regulating molecules in mice has revealed the impact of glucose uptake on whole-body metabolism. Remaining gaps in our understanding of GLUT4 function and regulation are highlighted here, along with opportunities for future discoveries and for the development of therapeutic approaches to manage metabolic disease.

Insulin-responsive amino peptidase follows the Glut4 pathway but is dispensable for the formation and translocation of insulin-responsive vesicles

In fat and skeletal muscle cells, insulin-responsive amino peptidase (IRAP) along with glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) and sortilin, represents a major component protein of the insulin-responsive vesicles (IRVs). Here, we show that IRAP, similar to Glut4 and sortilin, is retrieved from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network by retromer. Unlike Glut4, retrograde transport of IRAP does not require sortilin, as retromer can directly bind to the cytoplasmic tail of IRAP. Ablation of IRAP in 3T3-L1 adipocytes shifts the endosomal pool of Glut4 to more acidic endosomes, but does not affect IRV targeting, stability, and insulin responsiveness of Glut4.

Envolvimento da inflamação subclínica e do estresse oxidativo na resistência à insulina associada a obesidade

A epidemia global da obesidade é um dos mais importantes problemas de saúde pública. Excessiva adiposidade é um crucial fator de risco no surgimento de várias doenças metabólicas, incluindo hipertensão, diabetes mellitus do tipo 2 e doença do fígado gorduroso não alcoólico.  Essas condições patológicas estão estritamente associadas com a resistência à insulina. Baseado nos esforços das últimas décadas, ocorreu marcante desenvolvimento na investigação sobre resistência à insulina induzida pela obesidade, especialmente em termos do mecanismo envolvido neste processo. Dentre esses, a inflamação subclínica ou crônica de baixo grau na obesidade tem sido o mais aceito. Este estado inflamatório é caracterizado por altos níveis circulantes de citocinas inflamatórias, incluindo TNF alfa e IL beta, e aumentado infiltração de macrófagos em tecidos periféricos. No entanto, recentemente, tem ocorrido grande interesse no papel que o estresse oxidativo desempenha na indução da resistência à insulina. Sob ativação, muitas células imunes geram radicais livres e, da mesma maneira, a síntese de espécies reativas de oxigênio promovem um status inflamatório. Estudos têm mostrado níveis elevados de espécies reativas e estresse oxidativo em indivíduos e animais obesos e/ou resistentes a insulina; isso parece estar associado a redução da função e da atividade e biogênese mitocondrial causada pelo aumento de lipídeos circulantes e maior deposição de gordura ectópica.  Essa revisão discorre sobre o mecanismo fisiopatológico de como a inflamação subclínica induz resistência à insulina na obesidade. Ainda, descreve o papel que o estresse oxidativo desempenha neste processo, bem como a produção de radicais livres na obesidade.

Akt/AS160 Signaling Pathway Inhibition Impairs Infection by Decreasing Rab14-Controlled Sphingolipids Delivery to Chlamydial Inclusions

Chlamydia trachomatis, an obligate intracellular bacterium, intercepts different trafficking pathways of the host cell to acquire essential lipids for its survival and replication, particularly from the Golgi apparatus via a Rab14-mediated transport. Molecular mechanisms underlying how these bacteria manipulate intracellular transport are a matter of intense study. Here, we show that C. trachomatis utilizes Akt/AS160 signaling pathway to promote sphingolipids delivery to the chlamydial inclusion through Rab14-controlled vesicular transport. C. trachomatis provokes Akt phosphorylation along its entire developmental life cycle and recruits phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) to the inclusion membrane. As a consequence, Akt Substrate of 160 kDa (AS160), also known as TBC1D4, a GTPase Activating Protein (GAP) for Rab14, is phosphorylated and therefore inactivated. Phosphorylated AS160 (pAS160) loses its ability to promote GTP hydrolysis, favoring Rab14 binding to GTP. Akt inhibition by an allosteric isoform-specific Akt inhibitor (iAkt) prevents AS160 phosphorylation and reduces Rab14 recruitment to chlamydial inclusions. iAkt further impairs sphingolipids acquisition by C. trachomatis-inclusion and provokes lipid retention at the Golgi apparatus. Consequently, treatment with iAkt decreases chlamydial inclusion size, bacterial multiplication, and infectivity in a dose-dependent manner. Similar results were found in AS160-depleted cells. By electron microscopy, we observed that iAkt generates abnormal bacterial forms as those reported after sphingolipids deprivation or Rab14 silencing. Taken together, our findings indicate that targeting the Akt/AS160/Rab14 axis could constitute a novel strategy to limit chlamydial infections, mainly for those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

DNAJB3 attenuates metabolic stress and promotes glucose uptake by eliciting Glut4 translocation

Failure of the heat shock response is a key event that leads to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. We recently showed that DNAJB3 co-chaperone is downregulated in obese and diabetic patients and that physical exercise restores its normal expression with a significant improvement of the clinical outcomes. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, DNAJB3 has a role in improving the sensitivity to insulin and glucose uptake. In co-immunoprecipitation assays, DNAJB3 interacts with both JNK1 and IKKβ kinases. However, the functional impact of such interaction on their activities has not been investigated. Here, we assessed the effect of DNAJB3 on the respective activity of JNK1 and IKKβ in cell-based assays. Using JNK1- and IKKβ-dependent luciferase reporters, we show a marked decrease in luciferase activity by DNAJB3 in response to PMA and TNF-α that was consistent with a decrease in the translocation of p65/NF-κB to the nucleus in response to LPS. Furthermore, TNF-α-mediated IL-6 promoter activation and endogenous mRNA expression are significantly abrogated by DNAJB3 both in 3T3-L1 and C2C12 cells. The ability of DNAJB3 to mitigate ER stress and oxidative stress was also investigated and our data show a significant improvement of both forms of stress. Finally, we examined the effect of overexpressing and knocking down the expression of DNAJB3 on glucose uptake in C2C12 as well as the molecular determinants. Accordingly, we provide evidence for a role of DNAJB3 in promoting both basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Our finding reveals also a novel role of DNAJB3 in eliciting Glut4 translocation to the plasma membrane. These results suggest a physiological role of DNAJB3 in mitigating metabolic stress and improving glucose homeostasis and could therefore represent a novel therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes.

The Parkinson's disease-linked Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is required for insulin-stimulated translocation of GLUT4

Mutations within Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are associated with late-onset Parkinson's disease. The physiological function of LRRK2 and molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenic role of LRRK2 mutations remain uncertain. Here, we investigated the role of LRRK2 in intracellular signal transduction. We find that deficiency of Lrrk2 in rodents affects insulin-dependent translocation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4). This deficit is restored during aging by prolonged insulin-dependent activation of protein kinase B (PKB, Akt) and Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160), and is compensated by elevated basal expression of GLUT4 on the cell surface. Furthermore, we find a crucial role of Rab10 phosphorylation by LRRK2 for efficient insulin signal transduction. Translating our findings into human cell lines, we find comparable molecular alterations in fibroblasts from Parkinson's patients with the known pathogenic G2019S LRRK2 mutation. Our results highlight the role of LRRK2 in insulin-dependent signalling with potential therapeutic implications.

LRRK2 phosphorylates membrane-bound Rabs and is activated by GTP-bound Rab7L1 to promote recruitment to the trans-Golgi network

Human genetic studies implicate LRRK2 and RAB7L1 in susceptibility to Parkinson disease (PD). These two genes function in the same pathway, as knockout of Rab7L1 results in phenotypes similar to LRRK2 knockout, and studies in cells and model organisms demonstrate LRRK2 and Rab7L1 interact in the endolysosomal system. Recently, a subset of Rab proteins have been identified as LRRK2 kinase substrates. Herein, we find that Rab8, Rab10, and Rab7L1 must be membrane and GTP-bound for LRRK2 phosphorylation. LRRK2 mutations that cause PD including R1441C, Y1699C, and G2019S all increase LRRK2 phosphorylation of Rab7L1 four-fold over wild-type LRRK2 in cells, resulting in the phosphorylation of nearly one-third the available Rab7L1 protein in cells. In contrast, the most common pathogenic LRRK2 mutation, G2019S, does not upregulate LRRK2-mediated phosphorylation of Rab8 or Rab10. LRRK2 interaction with membrane and GTP-bound Rab7L1, but not Rab8 or Rab10, results in the activation of LRRK2 autophosphorylation at the serine 1292 position, required for LRRK2 toxicity. Further, Rab7L1 controls the proportion of LRRK2 that is membrane-associated, and LRRK2 mutations enhance Rab7L1-mediated recruitment of LRRK2 to the trans-Golgi network. Interaction studies with the Rab8 and Rab10 GTPase-activating protein TBC1D4/AS160 demonstrate that LRRK2 phosphorylation may block membrane and GTP-bound Rab protein interaction with effectors. These results suggest reciprocal regulation between LRRK2 and Rab protein substrates, where Rab7L1-mediated upregulation of LRRK2 kinase activity results in the stabilization of membrane and GTP-bound Rab proteins that may be unable to interact with Rab effector proteins.

A high-throughput chemical-genetics screen in murine adipocytes identifies insulin-regulatory pathways

Pathways linking activation of the insulin receptor to downstream targets of insulin have traditionally been studied using a candidate gene approach. To elucidate additional pathways regulating insulin activity, we performed a forward chemical-genetics screen based on translocation of a glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) reporter expressed in murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes. To identify compounds with known targets, we screened drug-repurposing and natural product libraries. We identified, confirmed, and validated 64 activators and 65 inhibitors that acutely increase or rapidly decrease cell-surface Glut4 in adipocytes stimulated with submaximal insulin concentrations. These agents were grouped by target, chemical class, and mechanism of action. All groups contained multiple hits from a single drug class, and several comprised multiple structurally unrelated hits for a single target. Targets include the β-adrenergic and adenosine receptors. Agonists of these receptors increased and inverse agonists/antagonists decreased cell-surface Glut4 independently of insulin. Additional activators include insulin sensitizers (thiazolidinediones), insulin mimetics, dis-inhibitors (the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin), cardiotonic steroids (the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase inhibitor ouabain), and corticosteroids (dexamethasone). Inhibitors include heterocyclic amines (tricyclic antidepressants) and 21 natural product supplements and herbal extracts. Mechanisms of action include effects on Glut4 trafficking, signal transduction, inhibition of protein synthesis, and dissipation of proton gradients. Two pathways that acutely regulate Glut4 translocation were discovered: de novo protein synthesis and endocytic acidification. The mechanism of action of additional classes of activators (tanshinones, dalbergiones, and coumarins) and inhibitors (flavonoids and resveratrol) remains to be determined. These tools are among the most sensitive, responsive, and reproducible insulin-activity assays described to date.

RagC phosphorylation autoregulates mTOR complex 1

The mechanistic (or mammalian) target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) controls cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism in response to diverse stimuli. Two major parallel pathways are implicated in mTORC1 regulation including a growth factor-responsive pathway mediated via TSC2/Rheb and an amino acid-responsive pathway mediated via the Rag GTPases. Here, we identify and characterize three highly conserved growth factor-responsive phosphorylation sites on RagC, a component of the Rag heterodimer, implicating cross talk between amino acid and growth factor-mediated regulation of mTORC1. We find that RagC phosphorylation is associated with destabilization of mTORC1 and is essential for both growth factor and amino acid-induced mTORC1 activation. Functionally, RagC phosphorylation suppresses starvation-induced autophagy, and genetic studies in Drosophila reveal that RagC phosphorylation plays an essential role in regulation of cell growth. Finally, we identify mTORC1 as the upstream kinase of RagC on S21. Our data highlight the importance of RagC phosphorylation in its function and identify a previously unappreciated auto-regulatory mechanism of mTORC1 activity.

The PIK3CA E542K and E545K mutations promote glycolysis and proliferation via induction of the β-catenin/SIRT3 signaling pathway in cervical cancer

Background

The study aims to present the effect of PIK3CA E542K and E545K mutations on glucose metabolism and proliferation and identify their underlying mechanisms in cervical cancer.

Methods

The maximum standard uptake value (SUV_max) of tumors was detected by¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scan. In vitro, glycolysis analysis, extracellular acidification rate analysis, and ATP production were used to evaluate the impact of PIK3CA E542K and E545K mutations on glucose metabolism. The expression level of key glycolytic enzymes was evaluated by western blotting and immunohistochemical staining in cervical cancer cells and tumor tissues, respectively. Immunofluorescence analysis was used to observe the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. The target gene of β-catenin was analyzed by using luciferase reporter system. The glucose metabolic ability of the xenograft models was assessed by SUV_max from microPET/CT scanning.

Results

Cervical cancer patients with mutant PIK3CA (E542K and E545K) exhibited a higher SUV_max value than those with wild-type PIK3CA (P = 0.037), which was confirmed in xenograft models. In vitro, enhanced glucose metabolism and proliferation was observed in SiHa and MS751 cells with mutant PIK3CA. The mRNA and protein expression of key glycolytic enzymes was increased. AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling was highly activated in SiHa and MS751 cells with mutant PIK3CA. Knocking down β-catenin expression decreased glucose uptake and lactate production. In addition, the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin was found in SiHa cells and tumors with mutant PIK3CA. Furthermore, β-catenin downregulated the expression of SIRT3 via suppressing the activity of the SIRT3 promotor, and the reduced glucose uptake and lactate production due to the downregulation of β-catenin can be reversed by the transfection of SIRT3 siRNA in SiHa cells with mutant PIK3CA. The negative correlation between β-catenin and SIRT3 was further confirmed in cervical cancer tissues.

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence that the PI3K E542K and E545K/β-catenin/SIRT3 signaling axis regulates glucose metabolism and proliferation in cervical cancers with PIK3CA mutations, suggesting therapeutic targets in the treatment of cervical cancers.

Trial registration

FUSCC 050432–4-1212B. Registered 24 December 2012 (retrospectively registered).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13045-018-0674-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Insulin-stimulated Rac1-GTP binding is not impaired by palmitate treatment in L6 myotubes

Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) is required for normal insulin-stimulated glucose transport in skeletal muscle and evidence indicates Rac1 may be negatively regulated by lipids. We investigated if insulin-stimulated activation of Rac1 (i.e., Rac1-GTP binding) is impaired by accumulation of diacylglycerols (DAG) and ceramides in cultured muscle cells. Treating L6 myotubes with 100 nmol/L insulin resulted in increased Rac1-GTP binding that was rapid (occurring within 2 min), relatively modest (+38 ± 19% vs. basal, P < 0.001), and short-lived, returning to near-basal levels within 15 min of continuous treatment. Incubating L6 myotubes overnight in 500 μmol/L palmitate increased the accumulation of DAG and ceramides (P < 0.05 vs. no fatty acid control). Despite significant accumulation of lipids, insulin-stimulated Rac1-GTP binding was not impaired during palmitate treatment (P = 0.39 vs. no fatty acid control). Nevertheless, phosphorylation of Rac1 effector protein p21-activated kinase (PAK) was attenuated in response to palmitate treatment (P = 0.02 vs. no fatty acid control). Palmitate treatment also increased inhibitory phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 and attenuated insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt at both Thr308 and Ser473 (all P < 0.05 vs. no fatty acid control). Such signaling impairments resulted in near complete inhibition of insulin-stimulated translocation of glucose transporter protein 4 (GLUT4; P = 0.10 vs. basal during palmitate treatment). In summary, our finding suggests that Rac1 may not undergo negative regulation by DAG or ceramides. We instead provide evidence that attenuated PAK phosphorylation and impaired GLUT4 translocation during palmitate-induced insulin resistance can occur independent of defects in insulin-stimulated Rac1-GTP binding.

Genetics of metabolic traits in Greenlanders: lessons from an isolated population

In this review, we describe the extraordinary population of Greenland, which differs from large outbred populations of Europe and Asia, both in terms of population history and living conditions. Many years in isolation, small population size and an extreme environment have shaped the genetic composition of the Greenlandic population. The unique genetic background combined with the transition from a traditional Inuit lifestyle and diet, to a more Westernized lifestyle, has led to an increase in the prevalence of metabolic conditions like obesity, where the prevalence from 1993 to 2010 has increased from 16.4% to 19.4% among men, and from 13.0% to 25.4% among women, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The genetic susceptibility to metabolic conditions has been explored in Greenlanders, as well as other isolated populations, taking advantage of population-genetic properties of these populations. During the last 10 years, these studies have provided examples of loci showing evidence of positive selection, due to adaption to Arctic climate and Inuit diet, including TBC1D4 and FADS/CPT1A, and have facilitated the discovery of several loci associated with metabolic phenotypes. Most recently, the c.2433-1G>A loss-of-function variant in ADCY3 associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes was described. This locus has provided novel biological insights, as it has been shown that reduced ADCY3 function causes obesity through disrupted function in primary cilia. Future studies of isolated populations will likely provide further genetic as well as biological insights.

TBC1D21 Potentially Interacts with and Regulates Rap1 during Murine Spermatogenesis

Few papers have focused on small guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins and their regulation during spermatogenesis. TBC1D21 genes (also known as male germ cell RAB GTPase-activating protein MGCRABGAP) are related to sterility, as determined through cDNA microarray testing of human testicular tissues exhibiting spermatogenic defects. TBC1D21 is a protein specifically expressed in the testes that exhibits specific localizations of elongating and elongated spermatids during mammalian spermiogenesis. Furthermore, through co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and nano liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (nano LC–MS/MS), Rap1 has been recognized as a potential TBC1D21 interactor. This study determined the possible roles of Rap1 and TBC1D21 during mammalian spermiogenesis. First, the binding ability between Rap1 and TBC1D21 was verified using co-IP. Second, the stronger signals of Rap1 expressed in elongating and elongated murine spermatids extracted from testicular sections, namely spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids, were compared. Third, Rap1 and TBC1D21 exhibited similar localizations at postacrosomal regions of spermatids and at the midpieces of mature sperms, through isolated male germ cells. Fourth, the results of an activating Rap1 pull-down assay indicated that TBC1D21 overexpression inactivates Rap1 activity in cell models. In conclusion, TBC1D21 may interact with and potentially regulate Rap1 during murine spermatogenesis.