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Galal MA, Alouch SS, Alsultan BS, Dahman H, Alyabis NA, Alammar SA, Aljada A. Insulin Receptor Isoforms and Insulin Growth Factor-like Receptors: Implications in Cell Signaling, Carcinogenesis, and Chemoresistance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15006. [PMID: 37834454 PMCID: PMC10573852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review thoroughly explores the intricate involvement of insulin receptor (IR) isoforms and insulin-like growth factor receptors (IGFRs) in the context of the insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling (IIS) pathway. This elaborate system encompasses ligands, receptors, and binding proteins, giving rise to a wide array of functions, including aspects such as carcinogenesis and chemoresistance. Detailed genetic analysis of IR and IGFR structures highlights their distinct isoforms, which arise from alternative splicing and exhibit diverse affinities for ligands. Notably, the overexpression of the IR-A isoform is linked to cancer stemness, tumor development, and resistance to targeted therapies. Similarly, elevated IGFR expression accelerates tumor progression and fosters chemoresistance. The review underscores the intricate interplay between IRs and IGFRs, contributing to resistance against anti-IGFR drugs. Consequently, the dual targeting of both receptors could present a more effective strategy for surmounting chemoresistance. To conclude, this review brings to light the pivotal roles played by IRs and IGFRs in cellular signaling, carcinogenesis, and therapy resistance. By precisely modulating these receptors and their complex signaling pathways, the potential emerges for developing enhanced anti-cancer interventions, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Ahmed Galal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK
| | - Samhar Samer Alouch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Buthainah Saad Alsultan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huda Dahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf Abdullah Alyabis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Ammar Alammar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Aljada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
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Vella V, De Francesco EM, Bonavita E, Lappano R, Belfiore A. IFN-I signaling in cancer: the connection with dysregulated Insulin/IGF axis. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:569-586. [PMID: 35691786 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-Is) are prototypical inflammatory cytokines produced in response to stress. IFN-Is have a critical role in antitumor immunity by driving the activation of leukocytes and favoring the elimination of malignant cells. However, IFN-I signaling in cancer, specifically in the tumor microenvironment (TME), can have opposing roles. Sustained IFN-I stimulation can promote immune exhaustion or enable tumor cell-intrinsic malignant features. Herein, we discuss the potential impact of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor system (I/IGFs) and of metabolic disorders in aberrant IFN-I signaling in cancer. We consider the possibility that targeting I/IGFs, especially in patients with cancer affected by metabolic disorders, contributes to an effective strategy to inhibit deleterious IFN-I signaling, thereby restoring sensitivity to various cancer therapies, including immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Vella
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Eduardo Bonavita
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Fondazione Humanitas per la Ricerca, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Oncoimmunology, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy.
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Vella V, Giuliano M, La Ferlita A, Pellegrino M, Gaudenzi G, Alaimo S, Massimino M, Pulvirenti A, Dicitore A, Vigneri P, Vitale G, Malaguarnera R, Morrione A, Sims AH, Ferro A, Maggiolini M, Lappano R, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A. Novel Mechanisms of Tumor Promotion by the Insulin Receptor Isoform A in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2021; 10:3145. [PMID: 34831367 PMCID: PMC8621444 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The insulin receptor isoform A (IR-A) plays an increasingly recognized role in fetal growth and tumor biology in response to circulating insulin and/or locally produced IGF2. This role seems not to be shared by the IR isoform B (IR-B). We aimed to dissect the specific impact of IR isoforms in modulating insulin signaling in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. We generated murine 4T1 TNBC cells deleted from the endogenous insulin receptor (INSR) gene and expressing comparable levels of either human IR-A or IR-B. We then measured IR isoform-specific in vitro and in vivo biological effects and transcriptome in response to insulin. Overall, the IR-A was more potent than the IR-B in mediating cell migration, invasion, and in vivo tumor growth. Transcriptome analysis showed that approximately 89% of insulin-stimulated transcripts depended solely on the expression of the specific isoform. Notably, in cells overexpressing IR-A, insulin strongly induced genes involved in tumor progression and immune evasion including chemokines and genes related to innate immunity. Conversely, in IR-B overexpressing cells, insulin predominantly induced the expression of genes primarily involved in the regulation of metabolic pathways and, to a lesser extent, tumor growth and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Vella
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (V.V.); (M.G.); (E.M.D.F.)
| | - Marika Giuliano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (V.V.); (M.G.); (E.M.D.F.)
| | - Alessandro La Ferlita
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy; (A.L.F.); (S.A.); (A.P.); (A.F.)
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Michele Pellegrino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.P.); (M.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Germano Gaudenzi
- Laboratory of Geriatric and Oncologic Neuroendocrinology Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy; (G.G.); (A.D.); (G.V.)
| | - Salvatore Alaimo
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy; (A.L.F.); (S.A.); (A.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Michele Massimino
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (M.M.); (P.V.)
| | - Alfredo Pulvirenti
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy; (A.L.F.); (S.A.); (A.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Alessandra Dicitore
- Laboratory of Geriatric and Oncologic Neuroendocrinology Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy; (G.G.); (A.D.); (G.V.)
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (M.M.); (P.V.)
| | - Giovanni Vitale
- Laboratory of Geriatric and Oncologic Neuroendocrinology Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy; (G.G.); (A.D.); (G.V.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Morrione
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - Andrew H. Sims
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Scotland EH4 2XR, UK;
| | - Alfredo Ferro
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy; (A.L.F.); (S.A.); (A.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.P.); (M.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.P.); (M.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (V.V.); (M.G.); (E.M.D.F.)
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (V.V.); (M.G.); (E.M.D.F.)
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Vella V, Malaguarnera R. The Emerging Role of Insulin Receptor Isoforms in Thyroid Cancer: Clinical Implications and New Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3814. [PMID: 30513575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine tumor. Although the majority of TCs show good prognoses, a minor proportion are aggressive and refractory to conventional therapies. So far, the molecular mechanisms underlying TC pathogenesis are incompletely understood. Evidence suggests that TC cells and their precursors are responsive to insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), and often overexpress receptors for insulin (IR) and IGF-1 (IGF-1R). IR exists in two isoforms, namely IR-A and IR-B. The first binds insulin and IGF-2, unlike IR-B, which only binds insulin. IR-A is preferentially expressed in prenatal life and contributes to development through IGF-2 action. Aggressive TC overexpresses IR-A, IGF-2, and IGF-1R. The over-activation of IR-A/IGF-2 loop in TC is associated with stem-like features and refractoriness to some targeted therapies. Importantly, both IR isoforms crosstalk with IGF-1R, giving rise to the formation of hybrids receptors (HR-A or HR-B). Other interactions have been demonstrated with other molecules such as the non-integrin collagen receptor, discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), and the receptor for the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), Met. These functional networks provide mechanisms for IR signaling diversification, which may also exert a role in TC stem cell biology, thereby contributing to TC initiation and progression. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which deregulated IR isoforms and their crosstalk with other molecules and signaling pathways in TC cells and their precursors may contribute to thyroid carcinogenesis, progression, and resistance to conventional treatments. We also highlight how targeting these alterations starting from TC progenitors cells may represent new therapeutic strategies to improve the clinical management of advanced TCs.
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de Pablo F, Hernández-Sánchez C, de la Rosa EJ. The Prohormone Proinsulin as a Neuroprotective Factor: Past History and Future Prospects. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:426. [PMID: 30534050 PMCID: PMC6275302 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Proinsulin was first identified as the primary translation product of the insulin gene in Donald Steiner’s laboratory in 1967, and was the first prohormone to be isolated and sequenced. While its role as an insulin precursor has been extensively studied in the field of endocrinology, the bioactivity of the proinsulin molecule itself has received much less attention. Insulin binds to isoforms A and B of the insulin receptor (IR) with high affinity. Proinsulin, in contrast, binds with high affinity only to IR-A, which is present in the nervous system, among other tissues and elicits antiapoptotic and neuroprotective effects in the developing and postnatal nervous system. Proinsulin specifically exerts neuroprotection in the degenerating retina in mouse and rat models of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), delaying photoreceptor and vision loss after local administration in the eye or systemic (intramuscular) administration of an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector that induces constitutive proinsulin release. AAV-mediated proinsulin expression also decreases the expression of neuroinflammation markers in the hippocampus and sustains cognitive performance in a mouse model of precocious brain senescence. We have therefore proposed that proinsulin should be considered a functionally distinct member of the insulin superfamily. Here, we briefly review the legacy of Steiner’s research, the neural expression of proinsulin, and the tissue expression patterns and functional characteristics of IR-A. We discuss the neuroprotective activity of proinsulin and its potential as a therapeutic tool in neurodegenerative conditions of the central nervous system, particularly in retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora de Pablo
- 3D Lab, Development, Differentiation and Degeneration, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Catalina Hernández-Sánchez
- 3D Lab, Development, Differentiation and Degeneration, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique J de la Rosa
- 3D Lab, Development, Differentiation and Degeneration, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Vella V, Milluzzo A, Scalisi NM, Vigneri P, Sciacca L. Insulin Receptor Isoforms in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113615. [PMID: 30453495 PMCID: PMC6274710 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The insulin receptor (IR) mediates both metabolic and mitogenic effects especially when overexpressed or in clinical conditions with compensatory hyperinsulinemia, due to the metabolic pathway resistance, as obesity diabetes. In many cancers, IR is overexpressed preferentially as IR-A isoform, derived by alternative splicing of exon 11. The IR-A overexpression, and the increased IR-A:IR-B ratio, are mechanisms that promote the mitogenic response of cancer cells to insulin and IGF-2, which is produced locally by both epithelial and stromal cancer cells. In cancer IR-A, isoform predominance may occur for dysregulation at both mRNA transcription and post-transcription levels, including splicing factors, non-coding RNAs and protein degradation. The mechanisms that regulate IR isoform expression are complex and not fully understood. The IR isoform overexpression may play a role in cancer cell stemness, in tumor progression and in resistance to target therapies. From a clinical point of view, the IR-A overexpression in cancer may be a determinant factor for the resistance to IGF-1R target therapies for this issue. IR isoform expression in cancers may have the meaning of a predictive biomarker and co-targeting IGF-1R and IR-A may represent a new more efficacious treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Vella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Section, University of Catania Medical School, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, via Palermo 636, 95122 Catania, Italy.
- School of Human and Social Science, University "Kore" of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy.
| | - Agostino Milluzzo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Section, University of Catania Medical School, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, via Palermo 636, 95122 Catania, Italy.
| | - Nunzio Massimo Scalisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Section, University of Catania Medical School, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, via Palermo 636, 95122 Catania, Italy.
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania Medical School, Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Laura Sciacca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Section, University of Catania Medical School, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, via Palermo 636, 95122 Catania, Italy.
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Vella V, Malaguarnera R, Nicolosi ML, Palladino C, Spoleti C, Massimino M, Vigneri P, Purrello M, Ragusa M, Morrione A, Belfiore A. Discoidin domain receptor 1 modulates insulin receptor signaling and biological responses in breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:43248-43270. [PMID: 28591735 PMCID: PMC5522143 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The fetal isoform A of the insulin receptor (IR-A) is frequently overexpressed in a variety of malignancies including breast cancer. IR overexpression has a recognized role in cancer progression and resistance to anticancer therapies. In particular, IR-A has a peculiar mitogenic potential and is activated not only by insulin but also by IGF-2. Previously, we identified discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) as a new IR-A interacting protein. DDR1, a non-integrin collagen tyrosine kinase receptor, is overexpressed in several malignancies and plays a role in cancer progression and metastasis. We now evaluated whether DDR1 is able to exert a role in breast cancer biology by functionally cross-talking with IR. In MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, IR and DDR1 co-immunoprecipitated and co-localized after insulin or IGF-2 stimulation. In a panel of breast cancer cells, DDR1 knockdown by specific siRNAs markedly inhibited IR downstream signaling as well as proliferation, migration and colony formation in response to insulin and IGF-2. These effects were accompanied by reduction of IR protein and mRNA expression, which involved both transcriptional and post-transcriptional effects. DDR1 overexpression elicited opposite effects. Bioinformatics analysis of public domain databases showed that IR and DDR1 co-expression significantly correlates with several clinically relevant histopathological and molecular features of human breast carcinomas. These findings demonstrate that, in human breast cancer cells, DDR1 regulates IR expression and ligand dependent biological actions. This novel functional crosstalk is likely clinically relevant and may become a new molecular target in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Vella
- School of Motor Sciences, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
| | - Roberta Malaguarnera
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Nicolosi
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Chiara Palladino
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Spoleti
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michele Massimino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Purrello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Unit of BioMolecular, Genome, and Complex System BioMedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Unit of BioMolecular, Genome, and Complex System BioMedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Morrione
- Department of Urology and Biology of Prostate Cancer Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Varewijck AJ, Brugts MP, Frystyk J, Goudzwaard JA, Uitterlinden P, Waaijers AM, Feng Y, Dimitrov DS, Lamberts SW, Hofland LJ, Janssen JA. Circulating insulin-like growth factors may contribute substantially to insulin receptor isoform A and insulin receptor isoform B signalling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 365:17-24. [PMID: 22982059 PMCID: PMC6959542 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Revised: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Only a fraction of circulating insulin-like activity is due to insulin itself. The aim of this study was to determine total serum insulin-like activity mediated via the insulin receptor isoform A (IR-A) and isoform B (IR-B) by using kinase receptor activation (KIRA) assays specific for the IR-A and IR-B. METHODS The IR-A and IR-B KIRA assays use human embryonic kidney cells which have been transfected with the human IR-A or IR-B gene and quantify serum-mediated phosphorylation of the IR. RESULTS Both IR KIRA assays were sensitive (detection limit 32 pmol/L) and precise (intra- and inter assay CV: <12% and <15%). The EC₅₀s of insulin, IGF-I and IGF-II were 1.4, 11.2 and 6.7 nmol/L for the IR-A KIRA assay, and 1.3, 31.0 and 15.7 nmol/L for the IR-B KIRA assay. The operational range of both assays allowed for determination of total insulin-like activity in human serum. Analysis of serum samples showed that there was a significant positive correlation between serum insulin-like and immunoreactive insulin concentrations (IR-A: r = 0.56, p = 0.01, IR-B: r = 0.68, p = 0.001). Importantly, addition of IGF-I or IGF-II antibodies to human serum samples could substantially decrease the endpoint signal in both KIRA assays. CONCLUSIONS We showed that serum IGF-I and IGF-II may substantially contribute to IR signalling. Since IR isoform specific KIRA assays also take into account the contribution of IGFs present in serum on IR signalling, they may help to gain more insight into the roles of IGF mediated IR-A and IR-B activation in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee J. Varewijck
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael P. Brugts
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Frystyk
- The Medical Research Laboratories, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences & Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jeannette A. Goudzwaard
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter Uitterlinden
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriana M. Waaijers
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yang Feng
- Protein Interactions Group, CCRNP, NCI-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Dimiter S. Dimitrov
- Protein Interactions Group, CCRNP, NCI-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Steven W.J. Lamberts
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leo J. Hofland
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joseph A.M.J.L. Janssen
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Corresponding author. Address: Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Room D-443, ‘s-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 (0)10 7033975; fax: +31 (0)10 7033268. (J.A.M.J.L. Janssen)
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Abstract
Today, insulin analogs are used in millions of diabetic patients. Insulin analogs have been developed to achieve more physiological insulin replacement in terms of time-course of the effect. Modifications in the amino acid sequence of the insulin molecule change the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the analogs in respect to human insulin. However, these changes can also modify the molecular and biological effects of the analogs. The rapid-acting insulin analogs, lispro, aspart, and glulisine, have a rapid onset and shorter duration of action. The long-acting insulin analogs glargine and detemir have a protracted duration of action and a relatively smooth serum concentration profile. Insulin and its analogs may function as growth factors and therefore have a theoretical potential to promote tumor proliferation. A major question is whether analogs have an increased mitogenic activity in respect to insulin. These ligands can promote cell proliferation through many mechanisms like the prolonged stimulation of the insulin receptor, stimulation of the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), prevalent activation of the extracellular-signaling-regulated kinase (ERK) rather than the protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) intracellular post-receptor pathways. Studies on in vitro models indicate that short-acting analogs elicit molecular and biological effects that are similar to those of insulin. In contrast, long-acting analogs behave differently. Although not all data are homogeneous, both glargine and detemir have been found to have a decreased binding to receptors for insulin but an increased binding to IGF-1R, a prevalent activation of the ERK pathway, and an increased mitogenic effect in respect to insulin. Recent retrospective epidemiological clinical studies have suggested that treatment with long-acting analogs (specifically glargine) may increase the relative risk for cancer. Results are controversial and methodologically weak. Therefore prospective clinical studies are needed to evaluate the possible tumor growth-promoting effects of these insulin analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sciacca
- Endocrinology Section, Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima HospitalCatania, Italy
| | - Rosario Le Moli
- Endocrinology Section, Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima HospitalCatania, Italy
| | - Riccardo Vigneri
- Endocrinology Section, Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima HospitalCatania, Italy
- *Correspondence: Riccardo Vigneri, Endocrinologia, Università di Catania, Ospedale Garibaldi di Nesima, Via Palermo 636, 95122 Catania, Italy. e-mail:
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