Large GLUT4 vesicles are stationary while locally and reversibly depleted during transient insulin stimulation of skeletal muscle of living mice: imaging analysis of GLUT4-enhanced green fluorescent protein vesicle dynamics

GLUT4 localisation with the plasma membrane is unaffected by an increase in plasma free fatty acid availability

BACKGROUND

Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake into skeletal muscle occurs via translocation of GLUT4 from intracellular storage vesicles to the plasma membrane. Elevated free fatty acid (FFA) availability via a lipid infusion reduces glucose disposal, but this occurs in the absence of impaired proximal insulin signalling. Whether GLUT4 localisation to the plasma membrane is subsequently affected by elevated FFA availability is not known.

METHODS

Trained (n = 11) and sedentary (n = 10) individuals, matched for age, sex and body mass index, received either a 6 h lipid or glycerol infusion in the setting of a concurrent hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp. Sequential muscle biopsies (0, 2 and 6 h) were analysed for GLUT4 membrane localisation and microvesicle size and distribution using immunofluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

At baseline, trained individuals had more small GLUT4 spots at the plasma membrane, whereas sedentary individuals had larger GLUT4 spots. GLUT4 localisation with the plasma membrane increased at 2 h (P = 0.04) of the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, and remained elevated until 6 h, with no differences between groups or infusion type. The number of GLUT4 spots was unchanged at 2 h of infusion. However, from 2 to 6 h there was a decrease in the number of small GLUT4 spots at the plasma membrane (P = 0.047), with no differences between groups or infusion type.

CONCLUSION

GLUT4 localisation with the plasma membrane increases during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, but this is not altered by elevated FFA availability. GLUT4 appears to disperse from small GLUT4 clusters located at the plasma membrane to support glucose uptake during a hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp.

Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS) and Cytokines-Myokines Involved in Glucose Uptake and Insulin Resistance in Skeletal Muscle

Insulin resistance onset in skeletal muscle is characterized by the impairment of insulin signaling, which reduces the internalization of glucose, known as glucose uptake, into the cell. Therefore, there is a deficit of intracellular glucose, which is the main source for energy production in the cell. This may compromise cellular viability and functions, leading to pathological dysfunction. Skeletal muscle fibers continuously generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). An excess of RONS produces oxidative distress, which may evoke cellular damage and dysfunction. However, a moderate level of RONS, which is called oxidative eustress, is critical to maintain, modulate and regulate cellular functions through reversible interactions between RONS and the components of cellular signaling pathways that control those functions, such as the facilitation of glucose uptake. The skeletal muscle releases peptides called myokines that may have endocrine and paracrine effects. Some myokines bind to specific receptors in skeletal muscle fibers and might interact with cellular signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt and AMPK, and facilitate glucose uptake. In addition, there are cytokines, which are peptides produced by non-skeletal muscle cells, that bind to receptors at the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle cells and interact with the cellular signaling pathways, facilitating glucose uptake. RONS, myokines and cytokines might be acting on the same signaling pathways that facilitate glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. However, the experimental studies are limited and scarce. The aim of this review is to highlight the current knowledge regarding the role of RONS, myokines and cytokines as potential signals that facilitate glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. In addition, we encourage researchers in the field to lead and undertake investigations to uncover the fundamentals of glucose uptake evoked by RONS, myokines, and cytokines.

EFR3 and phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIα regulate insulin-stimulated glucose transport and GLUT4 dispersal in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Insulin stimulates glucose transport in muscle and adipocytes. This is achieved by regulated delivery of intracellular glucose transporter (GLUT4)-containing vesicles to the plasma membrane where they dock and fuse, resulting in increased cell surface GLUT4 levels. Recent work identified a potential further regulatory step, in which insulin increases the dispersal of GLUT4 in the plasma membrane away from the sites of vesicle fusion. EFR3 is a scaffold protein that facilitates localization of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase type IIIα to the cell surface. Here we show that knockdown of EFR3 or phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase type IIIα impairs insulin-stimulated glucose transport in adipocytes. Using direct stochastic reconstruction microscopy, we also show that EFR3 knockdown impairs insulin stimulated GLUT4 dispersal in the plasma membrane. We propose that EFR3 plays a previously unidentified role in controlling insulin-stimulated glucose transport by facilitating dispersal of GLUT4 within the plasma membrane.

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.

Innovation in culture systems to study muscle complexity

Endogenous skeletal muscle development, regeneration, and pathology are extremely complex processes, influenced by local and systemic factors. Unpinning how these mechanisms function is crucial for fundamental biology and to develop therapeutic interventions for genetic disorders, but also conditions like sarcopenia and volumetric muscle loss. Ex vivo skeletal muscle models range from two- and three-dimensional primary cultures of satellite stem cell-derived myoblasts grown alone or in co-culture, to single muscle myofibers, myobundles, and whole tissues. Together, these systems provide the opportunity to gain mechanistic insights of stem cell behavior, cell-cell interactions, and mature muscle function in simplified systems, without confounding variables. Here, we highlight recent advances (published in the last 5 years) using in vitro primary cells and ex vivo skeletal muscle models, and summarize the new insights, tools, datasets, and screening methods they have provided. Finally, we highlight the opportunity for exponential advance of skeletal muscle knowledge, with spatiotemporal resolution, that is offered by guiding the study of muscle biology and physiology with in silico modelling and implementing high-content cell biology systems and ex vivo physiology platforms.

NLRP3 Inflammasome: Potential Role in Obesity Related Low-Grade Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in Skeletal Muscle

Among multiple mechanisms, low-grade inflammation is critical for the development of insulin resistance as a feature of type 2 diabetes. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family (NOD-like) pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been linked to the development of insulin resistance in various tissues; however, its role in the development of insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle has not been explored in depth. Currently, there is limited evidence that supports the pathological role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in glucose handling in the skeletal muscle of obese individuals. Here, we have centered our focus on insulin signaling in skeletal muscle, which is the main site of postprandial glucose disposal in humans. We discuss the current evidence showing that the NLRP3 inflammasome disturbs glucose homeostasis. We also review how NLRP3-associated interleukin and its gasdermin D-mediated efflux could affect insulin-dependent intracellular pathways. Finally, we address pharmacological NLRP3 inhibitors that may have a therapeutical use in obesity-related metabolic alterations.

Olive Leaf Polyphenols (OLPs) Stimulate GLUT4 Expression and Translocation in the Skeletal Muscle of Diabetic Rats

Skeletal muscles are high-insulin tissues responsible for disposing of glucose via the highly regulated process of facilitated glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). Impaired insulin action in diabetes, as well as disorders of GLUT4 vesicle trafficking in the muscle, are involved in defects in insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation. Since the Rab GTPases are the main regulators of vesicular membrane transport in exo- and endo-cytosis, in the present work, we studied the effect of olive leaf polyphenols (OLPs) on Rab8A, Rab13, and Rab14 proteins of the rat soleus muscle in a model of streptozotocin (SZT)-induced diabetes (DM) in a dose-dependent manner. Glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were determined in the blood, morphological changes of the muscle tissue were captured by hematoxylin and eosin histological staining, and expression of GLUT4, Rab8A, Rab13, and Rab14 proteins were analyzed in the rat soleus muscle by the immunofluorescence staining and immunoblotting. OLPs significantly reduced blood glucose level in all treated groups. Furthermore, significantly reduced blood triglycerides were found in the groups with the lowest and highest OLPs treatment. The dynamics of activation of Rab8A, Rab13, and Rab14 was OLPs dose-dependent and more effective at higher OLP doses. Thus, these results indicate a beneficial role of phenolic compounds from the olive leaf in the regulation of glucose homeostasis in the skeletal muscle.

Cholesterol homeostasis: Researching a dialogue between the brain and peripheral tissues

Cholesterol homeostasis is a highly regulated process in human body because of its several functions underlying the biology of cell membranes, the synthesis of all steroid hormones and bile acids and the need of trafficking lipids destined to cell metabolism. In particular, it has been recognized that peripheral and central nervous system cholesterol metabolism are separated by the blood brain barrier and are regulated independently; indeed, peripherally, it depends on the balance between dietary intake and hepatic synthesis on one hand and its degradation on the other, whereas in central nervous system it is synthetized de novo to ensure brain physiology. In view of this complex metabolism and its relevant functions in mammalian, impaired levels of cholesterol can induce severe cellular dysfunction leading to metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this review is to clarify the role of cholesterol homeostasis in health and disease highlighting new intriguing aspects of the cross talk between its central and peripheral metabolism.

A New Pathway Promotes Adaptation of Human Glioblastoma Cells to Glucose Starvation

Adaptation of glioblastoma to caloric restriction induces compensatory changes in tumor metabolism that are incompletely known. Here we show that in human glioblastoma cells maintained in exhausted medium, SHC adaptor protein 3 (SHC3) increases due to down-regulation of SHC3 protein degradation. This effect is reversed by glucose addition and is not present in normal astrocytes. Increased SHC3 levels are associated to increased glucose uptake mediated by changes in membrane trafficking of glucose transporters of the solute carrier 2A superfamily (GLUT/SLC2A). We found that the effects on vesicle trafficking are mediated by SHC3 interactions with adaptor protein complex 1 and 2 (AP), BMP-2-inducible protein kinase and a fraction of poly ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1) associated to vesicles containing GLUT/SLC2As. In glioblastoma cells, PARP1 inhibitor veliparib mimics glucose starvation in enhancing glucose uptake. Furthermore, cytosol extracted from glioblastoma cells inhibits PARP1 enzymatic activity in vitro while immunodepletion of SHC3 from the cytosol significantly relieves this inhibition. The identification of a new pathway controlling glucose uptake in high grade gliomas represents an opportunity for repositioning existing drugs and designing new ones.

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.

The imprinted gene Delta like non-canonical notch ligand 1 (Dlk1) associates with obesity and triggers insulin resistance through inhibition of skeletal muscle glucose uptake

BACKGROUND

The imprinted gene Delta like non-canonical Notch ligand 1 (Dlk1) is considered an inhibitor of adipogenesis, but its in vivo impact on fat mass indeed remains elusive and controversial.

METHODS

Fat deposits were assessed by MRI and DXA scanning in two cohorts of non-diabetic men, whereas glucose disposal rate (GDR) was determined during euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Blood analyte measurements were used for correlation and mediation analysis to investigate how age, BMI, and fat percentage affect the relation between DLK1 and GDR. Confirmatory animal studies performed in normal (NC) and high fat diet (HFD) fed Dlk1^+/+ and Dlk1^-/- mice included DXA scanning, glucose tolerance tests (GTTs), blood measurements, and skeletal muscle glucose uptake studies by positron emission tomography (PET), histology, qRT-PCR, and in vitro cell studies.

FINDINGS

Overall, DLK1 is positively correlated with fat amounts, which is consistent with a negative linear relationship between DLK1 and GDR. This relationship is not mediated by age, BMI, or fat percentage. In support, DLK1 also correlates positively with HOMA-IR and ADIPO-IR in these humans, but has no linear relationship with the early diabetic inflammation marker MCP-1. In Dlk1^-/- mice, the increase in fat percentage and adipocyte size induced by HFD is attenuated, and these animals are protected against insulin resistance. These Dlk1 effects seem independent of gluconeogenesis, but at least partly relies on increased in vivo glucose uptake in skeletal muscles by Dlk1 regulating the major glucose transporter Glut4 in vivo as well as in two independent cell lines.

INTERPRETATION

Thus, instead of an adipogenic inhibitor, Dlk1 should be regarded as a factor causally linked to obesity and insulin resistance, and may be used to predict development of type 2 diabetes. FUND: The Danish Diabetes Academy supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, The Danish National Research Council (#09-073648), The Lundbeck Foundation, University of Southern Denmark, and Dep. Of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology/Odense University Hospital, the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Diabetes Foundation, the Strategic Research Program in Diabetes at Karolinska Institute and an EFSD/Lilly grant.

Electroporated GLUT4-7myc-GFP detects in vivo glucose transporter 4 translocation in skeletal muscle without discernible changes in GFP patterns

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Resolving the mechanism(s) leading to glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the muscle surface membrane has great therapeutic potential. However, the measurement of GLUT4 translocation is technically challenging. Here, we asked whether electroporation of GLUT4-7myc-GFP into skeletal muscle could be used as a tool to study GLUT4 translocation in vivo. What is the main finding and its importance? By acutely inducing GLUT4-7myc-GFP expression in skeletal muscle, we verified that in vivo exercise and AICAR stimulation increased the GLUT4 presence in the sarcolemma measured as myc signal. Importantly, the increased myc signal in the sarcolemma was not accompanied by major visual changes in the distribution of the GFP signal.

ABSTRACT

Insulin and exercise lead to translocation of the glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the surface membrane of skeletal muscle fibres. This process is pivotal for facilitating glucose uptake into skeletal muscle. To study this, a robust assay is needed to measure the translocation of GLUT4 in adult skeletal muscle directly. Here, we aimed to validate a simple GLUT4 translocation assay using a genetically encoded biosensor in mouse skeletal muscle. We transfected GLUT4-7myc-GFP into mouse muscle to study live GLUT4 movement and to evaluate GLUT4 insertion in the muscle surface membrane after in vivo running exercise and pharmacological activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Transfection led to expression of GLUT4-7myc-GFP that was dynamic in live flexor digitorum brevis fibres and which, upon insulin stimulation, exposed the myc epitope extracellularly. Running exercise, in addition to AMPK activation by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, induced ∼125 and ∼100% increase, respectively, in extracellularly exposure of GLUT4 in the surface membrane of tibialis anterior muscle. Interestingly, the clear increase in surface-exposed GLUT4 content induced by insulin, exercise or AMPK activation was not accompanied by any discernible reorganization of the GLUT4-GFP signal. In conclusion, we provide a detailed description of an easy-to-use translocation assay to study GLUT4 accumulation at the surface membrane induced by exercise and exercise-mimicking stimuli. Notably, our analyses revealed that increased GLUT4 surface membrane accumulation was not accompanied by a discernible change in the GLUT4 localization pattern.

Membrane Cholesterol in Skeletal Muscle: A Novel Player in Excitation-Contraction Coupling and Insulin Resistance

Membrane cholesterol is critical for signaling processes in a variety of tissues. We will address here current evidence supporting an emerging role of cholesterol on excitation-contraction coupling and glucose transport in skeletal muscle. We have centered our review on the transverse tubule system, a complex network of narrow plasma membrane invaginations that propagate membrane depolarization into the fiber interior and allow nutrient delivery into the fibers. We will discuss current evidence showing that transverse tubule membranes have remarkably high cholesterol levels and we will address how modifications of cholesterol content influence excitation-contraction coupling. In addition, we will discuss how membrane cholesterol levels affect glucose transport by modulating the insertion into the membrane of the main insulin-sensitive glucose transporter GLUT4. Finally, we will address how the increased membrane cholesterol levels displayed by obese animals, which also present insulin resistance, affect these two particular skeletal muscle functions.

Plasma amino acid levels are elevated in young, healthy low birth weight men exposed to short-term high-fat overfeeding

Low birth weight (LBW) individuals exhibit a disproportionately increased, incomplete fatty acid oxidation and a decreased glucose oxidation, compared with normal birth weight (NBW) individuals, and furthermore have an increased risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that changes in amino acid metabolism may occur parallel to alterations in fatty acid and glucose oxidation, and could contribute to insulin resistance. Therefore, we measured fasting plasma levels of 15 individual or pools of amino acids in 18 LBW and 25 NBW men after an isocaloric control diet and after a 5-day high-fat, high-calorie diet. We demonstrated that LBW and NBW men increased plasma alanine levels and decreased valine and leucine/isoleucine levels in response to overfeeding. Also, LBW men had higher alanine, proline, methionine, citrulline, and total amino acid levels after overfeeding compared with NBW men. Alanine and total amino acid levels tended to be negatively associated with the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake after overfeeding. Therefore, the higher amino acid levels in LBW men could be a consequence of their reduction in skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity due to overfeeding with a possible increased skeletal muscle proteolysis and/or could potentially contribute to an impaired insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, the alanine level was negatively associated with the plasma acetylcarnitine level and positively associated with the hepatic glucose production after overfeeding. Thus, the higher alanine level in LBW men could be accompanied by an increased anaplerotic formation of oxaloacetate and thereby an enhanced tricarboxylic acid cycle activity and as well an increased gluconeogenesis.

Exercise and Regulation of Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrates are the preferred substrate for contracting skeletal muscles during high-intensity exercise and are also readily utilized during moderate intensity exercise. This use of carbohydrates during physical activity likely played an important role during the survival of early Homo sapiens, and genes and traits regulating physical activity, carbohydrate metabolism, and energy storage have undoubtedly been selected throughout evolution. In contrast to the life of early H. sapiens, modern lifestyles are predominantly sedentary. As a result, intake of excessive amounts of carbohydrates due to the easy and continuous accessibility to modern high-energy food and drinks has not only become unnecessary but also led to metabolic diseases in the face of physical inactivity. A resulting metabolic disease is type 2 diabetes, a complex endocrine disorder characterized by abnormally high concentrations of circulating glucose. This disease now affects millions of people worldwide. Exercise has beneficial effects to help control impaired glucose homeostasis with metabolic disease, and is a well-established tool to prevent and combat type 2 diabetes. This chapter focuses on the effects of exercise on carbohydrate metabolism in skeletal muscle and systemic glucose homeostasis. We will also focus on the molecular mechanisms that mediate the effects of exercise to increase glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. It is now well established that there are different proximal signaling pathways that mediate the effects of exercise and insulin on glucose uptake, and these distinct mechanisms are consistent with the ability of exercise to increase glucose uptake in the face of insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. Ongoing research in this area is aimed at defining the precise mechanism by which exercise increases glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity and the types of exercise necessary for these important health benefits.

An actin filament population defined by the tropomyosin Tpm3.1 regulates glucose uptake

Actin has an ill-defined role in the trafficking of GLUT4 glucose transporter vesicles to the plasma membrane (PM). We have identified novel actin filaments defined by the tropomyosin Tpm3.1 at glucose uptake sites in white adipose tissue (WAT) and skeletal muscle. In Tpm 3.1-overexpressing mice, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was increased; while Tpm3.1-null mice they were more sensitive to the impact of high-fat diet on glucose uptake. Inhibition of Tpm3.1 function in 3T3-L1 adipocytes abrogates insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake. In WAT, the amount of filamentous actin is determined by Tpm3.1 levels and is paralleled by changes in exocyst component (sec8) and Myo1c levels. In adipocytes, Tpm3.1 localizes with MyoIIA, but not Myo1c, and it inhibits Myo1c binding to actin. We propose that Tpm3.1 determines the amount of cortical actin that can engage MyoIIA and generate contractile force, and in parallel limits the interaction of Myo1c with actin filaments. The balance between these actin filament populations may determine the efficiency of movement and/or fusion of GLUT4 vesicles with the PM.

Differential Role of Insulin/IGF-1 Receptor Signaling in Muscle Growth and Glucose Homeostasis

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are major regulators of muscle protein and glucose homeostasis. To determine how these pathways interact, we generated mice with muscle-specific knockout of IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) and insulin receptor (IR). These MIGIRKO mice showed >60% decrease in muscle mass. Despite a complete lack of insulin/IGF-1 signaling in muscle, MIGIRKO mice displayed normal glucose and insulin tolerance. Indeed, MIGIRKO mice showed fasting hypoglycemia and increased basal glucose uptake. This was secondary to decreased TBC1D1 resulting in increased Glut4 and Glut1 membrane localization. Interestingly, overexpression of a dominant-negative IGF1R in muscle induced glucose intolerance in MIGIRKO animals. Thus, loss of insulin/IGF-1 signaling impairs muscle growth, but not whole-body glucose tolerance due to increased membrane localization of glucose transporters. Nonetheless, presence of a dominant-negative receptor, even in the absence of functional IR/IGF1R, induces glucose intolerance, indicating that interactions between these receptors and other proteins in muscle can impair glucose homeostasis.

Visualization and quantitation of GLUT4 translocation in human skeletal muscle following glucose ingestion and exercise

Insulin- and contraction-stimulated increases in glucose uptake into skeletal muscle occur in part as a result of the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) from intracellular stores to the plasma membrane (PM). This study aimed to use immunofluorescence microscopy in human skeletal muscle to quantify GLUT4 redistribution from intracellular stores to the PM in response to glucose feeding and exercise. Percutaneous muscle biopsy samples were taken from the m. vastus lateralis of ten insulin-sensitive men in the basal state and following 30 min of cycling exercise (65% VO_2 max). Muscle biopsy samples were also taken from a second cohort of ten age-, BMI- and VO_2 max-matched insulin-sensitive men in the basal state and 30 and 60 min following glucose feeding (75 g glucose). GLUT4 and dystrophin colocalization, measured using the Pearson's correlation coefficient, was increased following 30 min of cycling exercise (baseline r = 0.47 ± 0.01; post exercise r = 0.58 ± 0.02; P < 0.001) and 30 min after glucose ingestion (baseline r = 0.42 ± 0.02; 30 min r = 0.46 ± 0.02; P < 0.05). Large and small GLUT4 clusters were partially depleted following 30 min cycling exercise, but not 30 min after glucose feeding. This study has, for the first time, used immunofluorescence microscopy in human skeletal muscle to quantify increases in GLUT4 and dystrophin colocalization and depletion of GLUT4 from large and smaller clusters as evidence of net GLUT4 translocation to the PM.

Fiber type effects on contraction-stimulated glucose uptake and GLUT4 abundance in single fibers from rat skeletal muscle

To fully understand skeletal muscle at the cellular level, it is essential to evaluate single muscle fibers. Accordingly, the major goals of this study were to determine if there are fiber type-related differences in single fibers from rat skeletal muscle for: 1) contraction-stimulated glucose uptake and/or 2) the abundance of GLUT4 and other metabolically relevant proteins. Paired epitrochlearis muscles isolated from Wistar rats were either electrically stimulated to contract (E-Stim) or remained resting (No E-Stim). Single fibers isolated from muscles incubated with 2-deoxy-d-[(3)H]glucose (2-DG) were used to determine fiber type [myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform protein expression], 2-DG uptake, and abundance of metabolically relevant proteins, including the GLUT4 glucose transporter. E-Stim, relative to No E-Stim, fibers had greater (P < 0.05) 2-DG uptake for each of the isolated fiber types (MHC-IIa, MHC-IIax, MHC-IIx, MHC-IIxb, and MHC-IIb). However, 2-DG uptake for E-Stim fibers was not significantly different among these five fiber types. GLUT4, tethering protein containing a UBX domain for GLUT4 (TUG), cytochrome c oxidase IV (COX IV), and filamin C protein levels were significantly greater (P < 0.05) in MHC-IIa vs. MHC-IIx, MHC-IIxb, or MHC-IIb fibers. TUG and COX IV in either MHC-IIax or MHC-IIx fibers exceeded values for MHC-IIxb or MHC-IIb fibers. GLUT4 levels for MHC-IIax fibers exceeded MHC-IIxb fibers. GLUT4, COX IV, filamin C, and TUG abundance in single fibers was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with each other. Differences in GLUT4 abundance among the fiber types were not accompanied by significant differences in contraction-stimulated glucose uptake.

Quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy of subcellular GLUT4 distribution in human skeletal muscle: effects of endurance and sprint interval training

Increases in insulin‐mediated glucose uptake following endurance training (ET) and sprint interval training (SIT) have in part been attributed to concomitant increases in glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein content in skeletal muscle. This study used an immunofluorescence microscopy method to investigate changes in subcellular GLUT4 distribution and content following ET and SIT. Percutaneous muscle biopsy samples were taken from the m. vastus lateralis of 16 sedentary males in the overnight fasted state before and after 6 weeks of ET and SIT. An antibody was fully validated and used to show large (> 1 μm) and smaller (<1 μm) GLUT4‐containing clusters. The large clusters likely represent trans‐Golgi network stores and the smaller clusters endosomal stores and GLUT4 storage vesicles (GSVs). Density of GLUT4 clusters was higher at the fibre periphery especially in perinuclear regions. A less dense punctate distribution was seen in the rest of the muscle fibre. Total GLUT4 fluorescence intensity increased in type I and type II fibres following both ET and SIT. Large GLUT4 clusters increased in number and size in both type I and type II fibres, while the smaller clusters increased in size. The greatest increases in GLUT4 fluorescence intensity occurred within the 1 μm layer immediately adjacent to the PM. The increase in peripheral localisation and protein content of GLUT4 following ET and SIT is likely to contribute to the improvements in glucose homeostasis observed after both training modes.

e12085

This paper first describes the development of a novel confocal immunofluorescence microscopy method that allows quantitation of GLUT4 content in the plasma membrane and 1 µm layers below it in a muscle fibre‐type specific manner. Skeletal muscle biopsies obtained from sedentary young men before and after 6 weeks of traditional endurance training (ET) and sprint interval training (SIT) were then analysed to show for the first time increases in large and small GLUT4 clusters with greater increases in the layer within 1 µm of the plasma membrane, which is the layer from which most GLUT4 fusion events emanate. This training‐induced redistribution is likely to contribute to the increase in insulin sensitivity seen following both ET and SIT.

Ca²⁺ signals promote GLUT4 exocytosis and reduce its endocytosis in muscle cells

Elevating cytosolic Ca(2+) stimulates glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, but how Ca(2+) affects intracellular traffic of GLUT4 is unknown. In tissue, changes in Ca(2+) leading to contraction preclude analysis of the impact of individual, Ca(2+)-derived signals. In L6 muscle cells stably expressing GLUT4myc, the Ca(2+) ionophore ionomycin raised cytosolic Ca(2+) and caused a gain in cell surface GLUT4myc. Extra- and intracellular Ca(2+) chelators (EGTA, BAPTA-AM) reversed this response. Ionomycin activated calcium calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII), AMPK, and PKCs, but not Akt. Silencing CaMKIIδ or AMPKα1/α2 partly reduced the ionomycin-induced gain in surface GLUT4myc, as did peptidic or small molecule inhibitors of CaMKII (CN21) and AMPK (Compound C). Compared with the conventional isoenzyme PKC inhibitor Gö6976, the conventional plus novel PKC inhibitor Gö6983 lowered the ionomycin-induced gain in cell surface GLUT4myc. Ionomycin stimulated GLUT4myc exocytosis and inhibited its endocytosis in live cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of CaMKIIδ or AMPKα1/α2 partly reversed ionomycin-induced GLUT4myc exocytosis but did not prevent its reduced endocytosis. Compared with Gö6976, Gö6983 markedly reversed the slowing of GLUT4myc endocytosis triggered by ionomycin. In summary, rapid Ca(2+) influx into muscle cells accelerates GLUT4myc exocytosis while slowing GLUT4myc endocytosis. CaMKIIδ and AMPK stimulate GLUT4myc exocytosis, whereas novel PKCs reduce endocytosis. These results identify how Ca(2+)-activated signals selectively regulate GLUT4 exocytosis and endocytosis in muscle cells.

Paxillin and focal adhesion kinase colocalise in human skeletal muscle and its associated microvasculature

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin are functionally linked hormonal- and mechano-sensitive proteins. We aimed to describe paxillin's subcellular distribution using widefield and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and test the hypothesis that FAK and paxillin colocalise in human skeletal muscle and its associated microvasculature. Percutaneous muscle biopsies were collected from the m. vastus lateralis of seven healthy males, and 5-μm cryosections were stained with anti-paxillin co-incubated with anti-dystrophin to identify the sarcolemma, anti-myosin heavy chain type I for fibre-type differentiation, anti-dihydropyridine receptor to identify T-tubules, lectin UEA-I to identify the endothelium of microvessels and anti-α-smooth muscle actin to identify vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Colocalisation of anti-paxillin with anti-dystrophin or anti-FAK was quantified using Pearson's correlation coefficient on confocal microscopy images. Paxillin was primarily present in (sub)sarcolemmal regions of skeletal muscle fibres where it colocalised with dystrophin (r = 0.414 ± 0.026). The (sub)sarcolemmal paxillin immunofluorescence intensity was ~2.4-fold higher than in sarcoplasmic regions (P < 0.001) with sarcoplasmic paxillin immunofluorescence intensity ~10 % higher in type I than in type II fibres (P < 0.01). In some longitudinally orientated fibres, paxillin formed striations that corresponded to the I-band region. Paxillin immunostaining was highest in endothelial and VSMC and distributed heterogeneously in both cell types. FAK and paxillin colocalised at (sub)sarcolemmal regions and within the microvasculature (r = 0.367 ± 0.036). The first images of paxillin in human skeletal muscle suggest paxillin is present in (sub)sarcolemmal and I-band regions of muscle fibres and within the microvascular endothelium and VSMC. Colocalisation of FAK and paxillin supports their suggested role in hormonal and mechano-sensitive signalling.

Insulin- and contraction-induced glucose transporter 4 traffic in muscle: insights from a novel imaging approach

Insulin- and contraction-mediated glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) trafficking have different kinetics in mature skeletal muscle. Intravital imaging indicates that insulin-stimulated GLUT4 trafficking differs between t-tubules and sarcolemma. In contrast, contraction-induced GLUT4 trafficking does not differ between membrane surfaces. This distinction likely is caused by differences in the underlying signaling pathways regulating GLUT4 vesicle depletion, GLUT4 membrane fusion, and GLUT4 reinternalization.

Role of monosaccharide transport proteins in carbohydrate assimilation, distribution, metabolism, and homeostasis

The facilitated diffusion of glucose, galactose, fructose, urate, myoinositol, and dehydroascorbicacid in mammals is catalyzed by a family of 14 monosaccharide transport proteins called GLUTs. These transporters may be divided into three classes according to sequence similarity and function/substrate specificity. GLUT1 appears to be highly expressed in glycolytically active cells and has been coopted in vitamin C auxotrophs to maintain the redox state of the blood through transport of dehydroascorbate. Several GLUTs are definitive glucose/galactose transporters, GLUT2 and GLUT5 are physiologically important fructose transporters, GLUT9 appears to be a urate transporter while GLUT13 is a proton/myoinositol cotransporter. The physiologic substrates of some GLUTs remain to be established. The GLUTs are expressed in a tissue specific manner where affinity, specificity, and capacity for substrate transport are paramount for tissue function. Although great strides have been made in characterizing GLUT-catalyzed monosaccharide transport and mapping GLUT membrane topography and determinants of substrate specificity, a unifying model for GLUT structure and function remains elusive. The GLUTs play a major role in carbohydrate homeostasis and the redistribution of sugar-derived carbons among the various organ systems. This is accomplished through a multiplicity of GLUT-dependent glucose sensing and effector mechanisms that regulate monosaccharide ingestion, absorption,distribution, cellular transport and metabolism, and recovery/retention. Glucose transport and metabolism have coevolved in mammals to support cerebral glucose utilization.

Exercise, GLUT4, and skeletal muscle glucose uptake

Glucose is an important fuel for contracting muscle, and normal glucose metabolism is vital for health. Glucose enters the muscle cell via facilitated diffusion through the GLUT4 glucose transporter which translocates from intracellular storage depots to the plasma membrane and T-tubules upon muscle contraction. Here we discuss the current understanding of how exercise-induced muscle glucose uptake is regulated. We briefly discuss the role of glucose supply and metabolism and concentrate on GLUT4 translocation and the molecular signaling that sets this in motion during muscle contractions. Contraction-induced molecular signaling is complex and involves a variety of signaling molecules including AMPK, Ca(2+), and NOS in the proximal part of the signaling cascade as well as GTPases, Rab, and SNARE proteins and cytoskeletal components in the distal part. While acute regulation of muscle glucose uptake relies on GLUT4 translocation, glucose uptake also depends on muscle GLUT4 expression which is increased following exercise. AMPK and CaMKII are key signaling kinases that appear to regulate GLUT4 expression via the HDAC4/5-MEF2 axis and MEF2-GEF interactions resulting in nuclear export of HDAC4/5 in turn leading to histone hyperacetylation on the GLUT4 promoter and increased GLUT4 transcription. Exercise training is the most potent stimulus to increase skeletal muscle GLUT4 expression, an effect that may partly contribute to improved insulin action and glucose disposal and enhanced muscle glycogen storage following exercise training in health and disease.

Glucose transporter expression in an avian nectarivore: the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

Glucose transporter (GLUT) proteins play a key role in the transport of monosaccharides across cellular membranes, and thus, blood sugar regulation and tissue metabolism. Patterns of GLUT expression, including the insulin-responsive GLUT4, have been well characterized in mammals. However, relatively little is known about patterns of GLUT expression in birds with existing data limited to the granivorous or herbivorous chicken, duck and sparrow. The smallest avian taxa, hummingbirds, exhibit some of the highest fasted and fed blood glucose levels and display an unusual ability to switch rapidly and completely between endogenous fat and exogenous sugar to fuel energetically expensive hovering flight. Despite this, nothing is known about the GLUT transporters that enable observed rapid rates of carbohydrate flux. We examined GLUT (GLUT1, 2, 3, & 4) expression in pectoralis, leg muscle, heart, liver, kidney, intestine and brain from both zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris). mRNA expression of all four transporters was probed using reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR). In addition, GLUT1 and 4 protein expression were assayed by western blot and immunostaining. Patterns of RNA and protein expression of GLUT1-3 in both species agree closely with published reports from other birds and mammals. As in other birds, and unlike in mammals, we did not detect GLUT4. A lack of GLUT4 correlates with hyperglycemia and an uncoupling of exercise intensity and relative oxidation of carbohydrates in hummingbirds. The function of GLUTs present in hummingbird muscle tissue (e.g. GLUT1 and 3) remain undescribed. Thus, further work is necessary to determine if high capillary density, and thus surface area across which cellular-mediated transport of sugars into active tissues (e.g. muscle) occurs, rather than taxon-specific differences in GLUT density or kinetics, can account for observed rapid rates of sugar flux into these tissues.

Imaging cell biology in live animals: ready for prime time

Time-lapse fluorescence microscopy is one of the main tools used to image subcellular structures in living cells. Yet for decades it has been applied primarily to in vitro model systems. Thanks to the most recent advancements in intravital microscopy, this approach has finally been extended to live rodents. This represents a major breakthrough that will provide unprecedented new opportunities to study mammalian cell biology in vivo and has already provided new insight in the fields of neurobiology, immunology, and cancer biology.

Contraction and AICAR stimulate IL-6 vesicle depletion from skeletal muscle fibers in vivo

Recent studies suggest that interleukin 6 (IL-6) is released from contracting skeletal muscles; however, the cellular origin, secretion kinetics, and signaling mechanisms regulating IL-6 secretion are unknown. To address these questions, we developed imaging methodology to study IL-6 in fixed mouse muscle fibers and in live animals in vivo. Using confocal imaging to visualize endogenous IL-6 protein in fixed muscle fibers, we found IL-6 in small vesicle structures distributed throughout the fibers under basal (resting) conditions. To determine the kinetics of IL-6 secretion, intact quadriceps muscles were transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged IL-6 (IL-6-EGFP), and 5 days later anesthetized mice were imaged before and after muscle contractions in situ. Contractions decreased IL-6-EGFP-containing vesicles and protein by 62% (P < 0.05), occurring rapidly and progressively over 25 min of contraction. However, contraction-mediated IL-6-EGFP reduction was normal in muscle-specific AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α2-inactive transgenic mice. In contrast, the AMPK activator AICAR decreased IL-6-EGFP vesicles, an effect that was inhibited in the transgenic mice. In conclusion, resting skeletal muscles contain IL-6-positive vesicles that are expressed throughout myofibers. Contractions stimulate the rapid reduction of IL-6 in myofibers, occurring through an AMPKα2-independent mechanism. This novel imaging methodology clearly establishes IL-6 as a contraction-stimulated myokine and can be used to characterize the secretion kinetics of other putative myokines.

From seeing to believing: labelling strategies for in vivo cell-tracking experiments

Intravital microscopy has become increasingly popular over the past few decades because it provides high-resolution and real-time information about complex biological processes. Technological advances that allow deeper penetration in live tissues, such as the development of confocal and two-photon microscopy, together with the generation of ever-new fluorophores that facilitate bright labelling of cells and tissue components have made imaging of vertebrate model organisms efficient and highly informative. Genetic manipulation leading to expression of fluorescent proteins is undoubtedly the labelling method of choice and has been used to visualize several cell types in vivo. This approach, however, can be technically challenging and time consuming. Over the years, several dyes have been developed to allow rapid, effective and bright ex vivo labelling of cells for subsequent transplantation and imaging. Here, we review and discuss the advantages and limitations of a number of strategies commonly used to label and track cells at high resolution in vivo in mouse and zebrafish, using fluorescence microscopy. While the quest for the perfect label is far from achieved, current reagents are valuable tools enabling the progress of biological discovery, so long as they are selected and used appropriately.

Deletion of Rab GAP AS160 modifies glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in primary skeletal muscles and adipocytes and impairs glucose homeostasis

Tight control of glucose uptake in skeletal muscles and adipocytes is crucial to glucose homeostasis and is mediated by regulating glucose transporter GLUT4 subcellular distribution. In cultured cells, Rab GAP AS160 controls GLUT4 intracellular retention and release to the cell surface and consequently regulates glucose uptake into cells. To determine AS160 function in GLUT4 trafficking in primary skeletal muscles and adipocytes and investigate its role in glucose homeostasis, we characterized AS160 knockout (AS160(-/-)) mice. We observed increased and normal basal glucose uptake in isolated AS160(-/-) adipocytes and soleus, respectively, while insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was impaired and GLUT4 expression decreased in both. No such abnormalities were found in isolated AS160(-/-) extensor digitorum longus muscles. In plasma membranes isolated from AS160(-/-) adipose tissue and gastrocnemius/quadriceps, relative GLUT4 levels were increased under basal conditions and remained the same after insulin treatment. Concomitantly, relative levels of cell surface-exposed GLUT4, determined with a glucose transporter photoaffinity label, were increased in AS160(-/-) adipocytes and normal in AS160(-/-) soleus under basal conditions. Insulin augmented cell surface-exposed GLUT4 in both. These observations suggest that AS160 is essential for GLUT4 intracellular retention and regulation of glucose uptake in adipocytes and skeletal muscles in which it is normally expressed. In vivo studies revealed impaired insulin tolerance in the presence of normal (male) and impaired (female) glucose tolerance. Concurrently, insulin-elicited increases in glucose disposal were abolished in all AS160(-/-) skeletal muscles and liver but not in AS160(-/-) adipose tissues. This suggests AS160 as a target for differential manipulation of glucose homeostasis.

Immunofluorescent visualisation of focal adhesion kinase in human skeletal muscle and its associated microvasculature

Within animal skeletal muscle, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has been associated with load-dependent molecular and metabolic adaptation including the regulation of insulin sensitivity. This study aimed to generate the first visual images of the localisation of FAK within human skeletal muscle fibres and its associated microvasculature using widefield and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Percutaneous muscle biopsies, taken from five lean, active males, were frozen and 5-μm cryosections were incubated with FAK antibodies for visualisation in muscle fibres and the microvasculature. Anti-myosin heavy chain type I was used for fibre-type differentiation. Muscle sections were also incubated with anti-dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) to investigate co-localisation of FAK with the t-tubules. FITC-conjugated Ulex europaeus Agglutinin I stained the endothelium of the capillaries, whilst anti-smooth muscle actin stained the vascular smooth muscle of arterioles. Fibre-type differences in the intensity of FAK immunofluorescence were determined with image analysis software. In transversely and longitudinally orientated fibres, FAK was localised at the sarcolemmal regions. In longitudinally orientated fibres, FAK staining also showed uniform striations across the fibre and co-staining with DHPR suggests FAK associates with the t-tubules. There was no fibre-type difference in sarcoplasmic FAK content. Within the capillary endothelium and arteriolar smooth muscle, FAK was distributed heterogeneously as clusters. This is the first study to visualise FAK in human skeletal muscle microvasculature and within the (sub)sarcolemmal and t-tubule regions using immunofluorescence microscopy. This technique will be an important tool for investigating the role of FAK in the intracellular signalling of human skeletal muscle and the endothelium of its associated microvasculature.

Activation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, AMP-activated kinase and Akt substrate-160 kDa by trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid mediates skeletal muscle glucose uptake

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a dietary lipid, has been proposed as an antidiabetic agent. However, studies specifically addressing the molecular dynamics of CLA on skeletal muscle glucose transport and differences between the key isomers are limited. We demonstrate that acute exposure of L6 myotubes to cis-9, trans-11 (c9,t11) and trans-10, cis-12 (t10,c12) CLA isomers mimics insulin action by stimulating glucose uptake and glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) trafficking. Both c9,t10-CLA and t10,c12-CLA stimulate the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) p85 subunit and Akt substrate-160 kDa (AS160), while showing isomer-specific effects on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). CLA isomers showed synergistic effects with the AMPK activator, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribonucleoside (AICAR). Blocking PI3-kinase and AMPK prevented the stimulatory effects of t10,c12-CLA on AS160 phosphorylation and glucose uptake, indicating that this isomer acts via a PI3-kinase and AMPK-dependent mechanism, whereas the mechanism of c9,t11-CLA remains unclear. Intriguingly, CLA isomers sensitized insulin-Akt-responsive glucose uptake and prevented high insulin-induced Akt desensitisation. Together, these results establish that CLA exhibits isomer-specific effects on GLUT4 trafficking and the increase in glucose uptake induced by CLA treatment of L6 myotubes occurs via pathways that are distinctive from those utilised by insulin.

Insulin stimulates fusion, but not tethering, of GLUT4 vesicles in skeletal muscle of HA-GLUT4-GFP transgenic mice

Insulin regulates glucose uptake into fat and muscle by modulating the subcellular distribution of GLUT4 between the cell surface and intracellular compartments. However, quantification of these translocation processes in muscle by classical subcellular fractionation techniques is confounded by contaminating microfibrillar protein; dynamic studies at the molecular level are almost impossible. In this study, we introduce a muscle-specific transgenic mouse model in which HA-GLUT4-GFP is expressed under the control of the MCK promoter. HA-GLUT4-GFP was found to translocate to the plasma membrane and T-tubules after insulin stimulation, thus mimicking endogenous GLUT4. To investigate the dynamics of GLUT4 trafficking in skeletal muscle, we quantified vesicles containing HA-GLUT4-GFP near the sarcolemma and T-tubules and analyzed insulin-stimulated exocytosis at the single vesicle level by total internal reflection fluorescence and confocal microscopy. We found that only 10% of the intracellular GLUT4 pool comprised mobile vesicles, whereas most of the GLUT4 structures remained stationary or tethered at the sarcolemma or T-tubules. In fact, most of the insulin-stimulated exocytosis emanated from pretethered vesicles, whereas the small pool of mobile GLUT4 vesicles was not significantly affected by insulin. Our data strongly suggest that the mobile pool of GLUT4 vesicles is not a major site of insulin action but rather locally distributed. Most likely, pretethered GLUT4 structures are responsible for the initial phase of insulin-stimulated exocytosis.

Endocytosis, recycling, and regulated exocytosis of glucose transporter 4

Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) is responsible for the uptake of glucose into muscle and adipose tissues. Under resting conditions, GLUT4 is dynamically retained through idle cycling among selective intracellular compartments, from whence it undergoes slow recycling to the plasma membrane (PM). This dynamic retention can be released by command from intracellular signals elicited by insulin and other stimuli, which result in 2-10-fold increases in the surface level of GLUT4. Insulin-derived signals promote translocation of GLUT4 to the PM from a specialized compartment termed GLUT4 storage vesicles (GSV). Much effort has been devoted to the characterization of the intracellular compartments and dynamics of GLUT4 cycling and to the signals by which GLUT4 is sorted into, and recruited from, GSV. This review summarizes our understanding of intracellular GLUT4 traffic during its internalization from the membrane, its slow, constitutive recycling, and its regulated exocytosis in response to insulin. In spite of specific differences in GLUT4 dynamic behavior in adipose and muscle cells, the generalities of its endocytic and exocytic itineraries are consistent and an array of regulatory proteins that regulate each vesicular traffic event emerges from these cell systems.

Subcellular localization-dependent decrements in skeletal muscle glycogen and mitochondria content following short-term disuse in young and old men

Previous studies have shown that skeletal muscle glycogen and mitochondria are distributed in distinct subcellular localizations, but the role and regulation of these subcellular localizations are unclear. In the present study, we used transmission electron microscopy to investigate the effect of disuse and aging on human skeletal muscle glycogen and mitochondria content in subsarcolemmal (SS), intermyofibrillar (IMF), and intramyofibrillar (intra) localizations. Five young (∼23 yr) and five old (∼66 yr) recreationally active men had their quadriceps muscle immobilized for 2 wk by whole leg casting. Biopsies were obtained from m. vastus lateralis before and after the immobilization period. Immobilization induced a decrement of intra glycogen content by 54% (P < 0.001) in both age groups and in two ultrastructurally distinct fiber types, whereas the content of IMF and SS glycogen remained unchanged. A localization-dependent decrease (P = 0.03) in mitochondria content following immobilization was found in both age groups, where SS mitochondria decreased by 33% (P = 0.02), superficial IMF mitochondria decreased by 20% (P = 0.05), and central IMF mitochondria remained unchanged. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate a localization-dependent adaptation to immobilization in glycogen and mitochondria content of skeletal muscles of both young and old individuals. Specifically, this suggests that short-term disuse preferentially affects glycogen particles located inside the myofibrils and that mitochondria volume plasticity can be dependent on the distance to the fiber border.

Contraction regulates site-specific phosphorylation of TBC1D1 in skeletal muscle

TBC1D1 (tre-2/USP6, BUB2, cdc16 domain family member 1) is a Rab-GAP (GTPase-activating protein) that is highly expressed in skeletal muscle, but little is known about TBC1D1 regulation and function. We studied TBC1D1 phosphorylation on three predicted AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) phosphorylation sites (Ser231, Ser660 and Ser700) and one predicted Akt phosphorylation site (Thr590) in control mice, AMPKα2 inactive transgenic mice (AMPKα2i TG) and Akt2-knockout mice (Akt2 KO). Muscle contraction significantly increased TBC1D1 phosphorylation on Ser231 and Ser660, tended to increase Ser700 phosphorylation, but had no effect on Thr590. AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxyamide ribonucleoside) also increased phosphorylation on Ser231, Ser660 and Ser700, but not Thr590, whereas insulin only increased Thr590 phosphorylation. Basal and contraction-stimulated TBC1D1 Ser231, Ser660 and Ser700 phosphorylation were greatly reduced in AMPKα2i TG mice, although contraction still elicited a small increase in phosphorylation. Akt2 KO mice had blunted insulin-stimulated TBC1D1 Thr590 phosphorylation. Contraction-stimulated TBC1D1 Ser231 and Ser660 phosphorylation were normal in high-fat-fed mice. Glucose uptake in vivo was significantly decreased in tibialis anterior muscles overexpressing TBC1D1 mutated on four predicted AMPK phosphorylation sites. In conclusion, contraction causes site-specific phosphorylation of TBC1D1 in skeletal muscle, and TBC1D1 phosphorylation on AMPK sites regulates contraction-stimulated glucose uptake. AMPK and Akt regulate TBC1D1 phosphorylation, but there must be additional upstream kinases that mediate TBC1D1 phosphorylation in skeletal muscle.

Insulin controls the spatial distribution of GLUT4 on the cell surface through regulation of its postfusion dispersal

While the glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) is fundamental to insulin-regulated glucose metabolism, its dynamic spatial organization in the plasma membrane (PM) is unclear. Here, using multicolor TIRF microscopy in transfected adipose cells, we demonstrate that insulin regulates not only the exocytosis of GLUT4 storage vesicles but also PM distribution of GLUT4 itself. In the basal state, domains (clusters) of GLUT4 molecules in PM are created by an exocytosis that retains GLUT4 at the fusion site. Surprisingly, when insulin induces a burst of GLUT4 exocytosis, it does not merely accelerate this basal exocytosis but rather stimulates approximately 60-fold another mode of exocytosis that disperses GLUT4 into PM. In contradistinction, internalization of most GLUT4, regardless of insulin, occurs from pre-existing clusters via the subsequent recruitment of clathrin. The data fit a new kinetic model that features multifunctional clusters as intermediates of exocytosis and endocytosis.

Kinetics of contraction-induced GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle fibers from living mice

OBJECTIVE

Exercise is an important strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This is due in part to an increase in glucose transport that occurs in the working skeletal muscles. Glucose transport is regulated by GLUT4 translocation in muscle, but the molecular machinery mediating this process is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to 1) use a novel imaging system to elucidate the kinetics of contraction-induced GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle and 2) determine the function of AMP-activated protein kinase alpha2 (AMPKalpha2) in this process.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Confocal imaging was used to visualize GLUT4-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in transfected quadriceps muscle fibers in living mice subjected to contractions or the AMPK-activator AICAR.

RESULTS

Contraction increased GLUT4-EGFP translocation from intracellular vesicle depots to both the sarcolemma and t-tubules with similar kinetics, although translocation was greater with contractions elicited by higher voltage. Re-internalization of GLUT4 did not begin until 10 min after contractions ceased and was not complete until 130 min after contractions. AICAR increased GLUT4-EGFP translocation to both sarcolemma and t-tubules with similar kinetics. Ablation of AMPKalpha2 activity in AMPKalpha2 inactive transgenic mice did not change GLUT4-EGFP's basal localization, contraction-stimulated intracellular GLUT4-EGFP vesicle depletion, translocation, or re-internalization, but diminished AICAR-induced translocation.

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed a novel imaging system to study contraction-stimulated GLUT4 translocation in living mice. Contractions increase GLUT4 translocation to the sarcolemma and t-tubules with similar kinetics and do not require AMPKalpha2 activity.

Measuring GLUT4 translocation in mature muscle fibers

Skeletal muscle is the major tissue for postprandial glucose disposal. Facilitated glucose uptake into muscle fibers is mediated by increases in surface membrane levels of the glucose transporter GLUT4 via insulin- and/or muscle contraction-mediated GLUT4 translocation. However, the regulatory mechanisms controlling GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle have been difficult to characterize at the cell biology level due to muscle tissue complexity. Muscle cell culture models have improved our understanding of GLUT4 translocation and glucose transport regulation, but in vitro muscle models lack many of the characteristics of mature muscle fibers. Thus, the molecular and cellular details of GLUT4 translocation in mature skeletal muscle are deficient. The objective of this review is to highlight how advances in recent experimental approaches translate into an enhanced understanding of the regulation of GLUT4 translocation and glucose transport in mature skeletal muscle.

Mitochondrial myopathy induces a starvation-like response

Mitochondrial respiratory chain (RC) deficiency is among the most common causes of inherited metabolic disease, but its physiological consequences are poorly characterized. We studied the skeletal muscle gene expression profiles of mice with late-onset mitochondrial myopathy. These animals express a dominant patient mutation in the mitochondrial replicative helicase Twinkle, leading to accumulation of multiple mtDNA deletions and progressive subtle RC deficiency in the skeletal muscle. The global gene expression pattern of the mouse skeletal muscle showed induction of pathways involved in amino acid starvation response and activation of Akt signaling. Furthermore, the muscle showed induction of a fasting-related hormone, fibroblast growth factor 21 (Fgf21). This secreted regulator of lipid metabolism was also elevated in the mouse serum, and the animals showed widespread changes in their lipid metabolism: small adipocyte size, low fat content in the liver and resistance to high-fat diet. We propose that RC deficiency induces a mitochondrial stress response, with local and global changes mimicking starvation, in a normal nutritional state. These results may have important implications for understanding the metabolic consequences of mitochondrial myopathies.

Imaging of protein translocation in situ in skeletal muscle of living mice

Skeletal muscle plays a key role in regulating whole body glucose homeostasis and severe dysfunction in insulin-mediated glucose uptake is the hallmark of insulin-resistant states and type II diabetes. Therefore it is highly pathophysiologically relevant to perform detailed studies of insulin signaling inside skeletal muscle cells in order to elucidate the specific molecular events during both normal and insulin-resistant conditions. So far, cell biology imaging techniques have been limited to in vitro cultured muscle originating from primary or cell line-based myoblasts. However, these types of cultured muscle lack many characteristics of fully differentiated muscle cells. By performing intravital protein translocation analysis directly in situ in living animals, we have been able to give a high-resolution account of the spatial and temporal details during insulin signaling in vivo in muscle that does not have the limitations of in vitro cultures. We have shown that after i.v. insulin injection, PI3-kinase activation and, in turn, GLUT4 translocation are initiated at the plasma membrane proper, the sarcolemma. Then insulin signaling progresses into the t-tubules with a velocity corresponding to the diffusion of sulforhodamine B-conjugated insulin molecules. By using intravital confocal time-lapse analysis we have revealed that the t-tubules are the membrane surface where the majority of the insulin signaling is located.

Crucial role of the small GTPase Rac1 in insulin-stimulated translocation of glucose transporter 4 to the mouse skeletal muscle sarcolemma

The Rho family GTPase Rac1 has been implicated in the regulation of glucose uptake in myoblast cell lines. However, no evidence for the role of Rac1 has been provided by a mouse model. The purpose of this study is to test the involvement of Rac1 in insulin action in mouse skeletal muscle. Intravenous administration of insulin indeed elicited Rac1 activation in gastrocnemius muscle, suggesting the involvement of Rac1 in this signaling pathway. We then examined whether insulin-stimulated translocation of the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT4 from its storage sites to the skeletal muscle sarcolemma depends on Rac1. We show that ectopic expression of constitutively activated Rac1, as well as intravenous administration of insulin, caused translocation of GLUT4 to the gastrocnemius muscle sarcolemma, as revealed by immunofluorescent staining of a transiently expressed exofacial epitope-tagged GLUT4 reporter. Of particular note, insulin-dependent, but not constitutively activated Rac1-induced, GLUT4 translocation was markedly suppressed in skeletal muscle-specific rac1-knockout mice compared to control mice. Immunogold electron microscopic analysis of endogenous GLUT4 gave similar results. Collectively, we propose a critical role of Rac1 in insulin-dependent GLUT4 translocation to the skeletal muscle sarcolemma, which has heretofore been predicted solely by cell culture studies.

Increased subsarcolemmal lipids in type 2 diabetes: effect of training on localization of lipids, mitochondria, and glycogen in sedentary human skeletal muscle

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of aerobic training and type 2 diabetes on intramyocellular localization of lipids, mitochondria, and glycogen. Obese type 2 diabetic patients (n = 12) and matched obese controls (n = 12) participated in aerobic cycling training for 10 wk. Endurance-trained athletes (n = 15) were included for comparison. Insulin action was determined by euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Intramyocellular contents of lipids, mitochondria, and glycogen at different subcellular compartments were assessed by transmission electron microscopy in biopsies obtained from vastus lateralis muscle. Type 2 diabetic patients were more insulin resistant than obese controls and had threefold higher volume of subsarcolemmal (SS) lipids compared with obese controls and endurance-trained subjects. No difference was found in intermyofibrillar lipids. Importantly, following aerobic training, this excess SS lipid volume was lowered by approximately 50%, approaching the levels observed in the nondiabetic subjects. A strong inverse association between insulin sensitivity and SS lipid volume was found (r(2)=0.62, P = 0.002). The volume density and localization of mitochondria and glycogen were the same in type 2 diabetic patients and control subjects, and showed in parallel with improved insulin sensitivity a similar increase in response to training, however, with a more pronounced increase in SS mitochondria and SS glycogen than in other localizations. In conclusion, this study, estimating intramyocellular localization of lipids, mitochondria, and glycogen, indicates that type 2 diabetic patients may be exposed to increased levels of SS lipids. Thus consideration of cell compartmentation may advance the understanding of the role of lipids in muscle function and type 2 diabetes.

Knockout of the predominant conventional PKC isoform, PKCalpha, in mouse skeletal muscle does not affect contraction-stimulated glucose uptake

Conventional (c) protein kinase C (PKC) activity has been shown to increase with skeletal muscle contraction, and numerous studies using primarily pharmacological inhibitors have implicated cPKCs in contraction-stimulated glucose uptake. Here, to confirm that cPKC activity is required for contraction-stimulated glucose uptake in mouse muscles, contraction-stimulated glucose uptake ex vivo was first evaluated in the presence of three commonly used cPKC inhibitors (calphostin C, Gö-6976, and Gö-6983) in incubated mouse soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. All potently inhibited contraction-stimulated glucose uptake by 50-100%, whereas both Gö compounds, but not calphostin C, inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose uptake modestly. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and eukaryotic elongation factor 2 phosphorylation was unaffected by the blockers. PKCalpha was estimated to account for approximately 97% of total cPKC protein expression in skeletal muscle. However, in muscles from PKCalpha knockout (KO) mice, neither contraction- nor phorbol ester-stimulated glucose uptake ex vivo differed compared with the wild type. Furthermore, the effects of calphostin C and Gö-6983 on contraction-induced glucose uptake were similar in muscles lacking PKCalpha and in the wild type. It can be concluded that PKCalpha, representing approximately 97% of cPKC in skeletal muscle, is not required for contraction-stimulated glucose uptake. Thus the effect of the PKC blockers on glucose uptake is either nonspecific working on other parts of contraction-induced signaling or the remaining cPKC isoforms are sufficient for stimulating glucose uptake during contractions.

The many ways to regulate glucose transporter 4

Glucose uptake into skeletal muscle is primarily mediated by glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). The number of GLUT4 polypeptides at the surface of muscle cells rises rapidly in response to insulin, contraction, depolarization, or energy deprivation. However, distinct mechanisms underlie the gain in surface GLUT4 in each case. Insulin promotes its exocytosis to the membrane, regulating vesicle movement, tethering, docking, and fusion. In contrast, muscle contraction, depolarization, and energy demand reduce GLUT4 endocytosis. The signals involved in each case also differ. Insulin utilizes Akt, Rabs, and selective actin remodelling, whereas depolarization and energy deprivation engage AMP-activated protein kinase and Ca2+-dependent signals. GLUT4 internalizes via 2 major routes that involve dynamin, but only one requires clathrin. The clathrin-independent route is slowed down by energy deprivation, and is regulated by AMP-activated protein kinase. In addition to regulation of the exocytic and endocytic movement of GLUT4, glucose uptake is also modulated through changes in the transporter's intrinsic activity. The glycolytic enzymes glyceraldehyde-3-dehydrogenase and hexokinase II contribute to such regulation, through differential binding to GLUT4.

In vivo imaging of GLUT4 translocationThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process

In skeletal muscle, both insulin and muscle contractions mediate translocation of glucose transporter GLUT4 to the plasma membrane proper, the sarcolemma, and the specialized membrane channel network, the transverse (t)-tubules. Despite the fact that skeletal muscle glucose uptake plays a major role in normal conditions, in insulin resistance, and type II diabetes, the details of GLUT4 translocation and the intracellular signalling involved have not been fully described. A main reason is that the majority of experiments have been carried out in muscle cultures in vitro. In vitro cultured muscle is not fully differentiated and, therefore, diverges from real muscle, in that it has lower expression of GLUT4, an underdeveloped or nonexistent t-tubule network, and a reduced or nonexistent response to insulin. Thus, experiments carried out in cultured muscle cell systems might give misleading results on how GLUT4 translocation and the signalling involved takes place. To address this problem, a confocal imaging technique has been developed that allows delineation of the spartial and spatial distribution of GFP-tagged GLUT4 (GLUT4-GFP) translocation in living muscle fibers in situ in anesthetized mice. The effects of stimuli with insulin or in situ muscle contractions in fully differentiated muscle fibers can now be studied before, during, and after applying stimuli. Initial analysis of insulin-stimulated GLUT4-GFP translocation showed a delay in maximal translocation between the sarcolemma and t-tubules. Corresponding to the delay, we found that fluorescent tagged insulin reaches the sarcolemma first and then, with a delay, diffuses into the t-tubule system, enabling interaction with local insulin receptors and, in turn, triggering local insulin signalling and local GLUT4 translocation. In parallel, we showed that the majority of GLUT4 depot vesicles do not move long distances but are depleted locally in the sarcolemma or t-tubule regions. Analysis of GLUT4 translocation in insulin-resistant muscle showed that, primarily, GLUT4 recruitment in the t-tubule region is affected. We have now analysed the kinetics of contraction-mediated GLUT4 translocation and reinternalization, as well as dilineated some of the key signalling points involved in these processes.