Modulating serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT) expression and activity unveils a crucial role in lipid-induced insulin resistance in rat skeletal muscle cells

2009 ◽  
Vol 417 (3) ◽  
pp. 791-801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria L. Watson ◽  
Matthew Coghlan ◽  
Harinder S. Hundal
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Insulin Signalling ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Serine Phosphorylation ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Short Term Treatment ◽  
Ceramide Synthesis ◽  
Expression Activity

Saturated fatty acids, such as palmitate, promote accumulation of ceramide, which impairs activation and signalling of PKB (protein kinase B; also known as Akt) to important end points such as glucose transport. SPT (serine palmitoyl transferase) is a key enzyme regulating ceramide synthesis from palmitate and represents a potential molecular target in curbing lipid-induced insulin resistance. In the present study we explore the effects of palmitate upon insulin action in L6 muscle cells in which SPT expression/activity has been decreased by shRNA (small-hairpin RNA) or sustained incubation with myriocin, an SPT inhibitor. Incubation of L6 myotubes with palmitate (for 16 h) increases intramyocellular ceramide and reduces insulin-stimulated PKB activation and glucose uptake. PKB inhibition was not associated with impaired IRS (insulin receptor substrate) signalling and was ameliorated by short-term treatment with myriocin. Silencing SPT expression (∼90%) by shRNA or chronic cell incubation with myriocin (for 7 days) markedly suppressed SPT activity and palmitate-driven ceramide synthesis; however, challenging these muscle cells with palmitate still inhibited the hormonal activation of PKB. This inhibition was associated with reduced IRS1/p85-PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) coupling that arises from diverting palmitate towards greater DAG (diacylglycerol) synthesis, which elevates IRS1 serine phosphorylation via activation of DAG-sensitive PKCs (protein kinase Cs). Treatment of SPT-shRNA cells or those treated chronically with myriocin with PKC inhibitors antagonized palmitate-induced loss in insulin signalling. The findings of the present study indicate that SPT plays a crucial role in desensitizing muscle cells to insulin in response to incubation with palmitate. While short-term inhibition of SPT ameliorates palmitate/ceramide-induced insulin resistance, sustained loss/reduction in SPT expression/activity promotes greater partitioning of palmitate towards DAG synthesis, which impacts negatively upon IRS1-directed insulin signalling.

scholarly journals Intracellular ceramide synthesis and protein kinase Cζ activation play an essential role in palmitate-induced insulin resistance in rat L6 skeletal muscle cells

2004 ◽  
Vol 382 (2) ◽  
pp. 619-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren J. POWELL ◽  
Sophie TURBAN ◽  
Alexander GRAY ◽  
Eric HAJDUCH ◽  
Harinder S. HUNDAL
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Glucose Transport ◽  
Insulin Signalling ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
L6 Myotubes ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance ◽  
Ceramide Synthesis

Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle insulin resistance that may develop, in part, as a consequence of a direct inhibitory effect on early insulin signalling events. Here we report work investigating the mechanism by which palmitate (a saturated free fatty acid) inhibits insulin action in rat L6 myotubes. Palmitate suppressed the insulin-induced plasma membrane recruitment and phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB) and this was associated with a loss in insulin-stimulated glucose transport. The inhibition in PKB was not due to a loss in insulin receptor substrate (IRS)1 tyrosine phosphorylation, IRS-1/p85 (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) association or suppression in phosphatidyl 3,4,5 triphosphate synthesis, but was attributable to an elevated intracellular synthesis of ceramide (6-fold) from palmitate and a concomitant activation of protein kinase PKCζ (5-fold). Inhibitors of serine palmitoyl transferase suppressed the intracellular synthesis of ceramide from palmitate, prevented PKCζ activation, and antagonized the inhibition in PKB recruitment/phosphorylation and the loss in insulin-stimulated glucose transport elicited by the NEFA. Inhibiting the palmitate-induced activation of PKCζ with Ro 31.8220, also prevented the loss in the insulin-dependent phosphorylation of PKB caused by palmitate. These findings indicate that intracellular ceramide synthesis and PKCζ activation are important aspects of the mechanism by which palmitate desensitizes L6 muscle cells to insulin.

scholarly journals Reversal of denervation-induced insulin resistance by SHIP2 protein synthesis blockade

2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (4) ◽  
pp. E679-E687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela F. Bertelli ◽  
Miriam Ueno ◽  
Maria E. C. Amaral ◽  
Marcos Hikari Toyama ◽  
Everardo M. Carneiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Sh2 Domain ◽  
Serine Phosphorylation ◽  
Denervated Muscle ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Euglycemic Hyperinsulinemic Clamp ◽  
Partial Restoration ◽  
Downstream Signaling ◽  
Inositol Phosphatase ◽  
Major Mechanism

Short-term muscle denervation is a reproducible model of tissue-specific insulin resistance. To investigate the molecular basis of insulin resistance in denervated muscle, the downstream signaling molecules of the insulin-signaling pathway were examined in intact and denervated soleus muscle of rats. Short-term denervation induced a significant fall in glucose clearance rates (62% of control, P < 0.05) as detected by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp and was associated with a significant decrease in insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor (IR; 73% of control, P < 0.05), IR substrate 1 (IRS1; 69% of control, P < 0.05), and IRS2 (82% of control, P < 0.05) and serine phosphorylation of Akt (39% of control, P < 0.05). Moreover, denervation reduced insulin-induced association between IRS1/IRS2 and p85/phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase. Nevertheless, denervation caused an increase in PI 3-kinase activity associated with IRS1 (275%, P < 0.05) and IRS2 (180%, P < 0.05), but the contents of phosphorylated PI detected by HPLC were significantly reduced in lipid fractions. In the face of the apparent discrepancy, we evaluated the expression and activity of the 5-inositol, lipid phosphatase SH2 domain-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP2), and the serine phosphorylation of p85/PI 3-kinase. No major differences in SHIP2 expression were detected between intact and denervated muscle. However, serine phosphorylation of p85/PI 3-kinase was reduced in denervated muscle, whereas the blockade of SHIP2 expression by antisense oligonucleotide treatment led to partial restoration of phosphorylated PI contents and to improved glucose uptake. Thus modulation of the functional status of SHIP2 may be a major mechanism of insulin resistance induced by denervation.

scholarly journals Muscle Adaptation to Short-Term Fasting in Healthy Lean Humans

2008 ◽  
Vol 93 (7) ◽  
pp. 2900-2903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarten R. Soeters ◽  
Hans P. Sauerwein ◽  
Peter F. Dubbelhuis ◽  
Johanna E. Groener ◽  
Mariëtte T. Ackermans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Protein Kinase B ◽  
Muscle Adaptation ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Akt Phosphorylation ◽  
Induce Insulin Resistance ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Muscle Biopsies

Abstract Context: It has been demonstrated repeatedly that short-term fasting induces insulin resistance, although the exact mechanism in humans is unknown to date. Intramyocellular sphingolipids (i.e. ceramide) have been suggested to induce insulin resistance by interfering with the insulin signaling cascade in obesity. Objective: Our objective was to study peripheral insulin sensitivity together with muscle ceramide concentrations and protein kinase B/AKT phosphorylation after short-term fasting. Main Outcome Measures and Design: After 14- and 62-h fasting, glucose fluxes were measured before and after a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Muscle biopsies were performed in the basal state and during the clamp to assess muscle ceramide and protein kinase B/AKT. Results: Insulin-mediated peripheral glucose uptake was significantly lower after 62-h fasting compared with 14-h fasting. Intramuscular ceramide concentrations tended to increase during fasting. During the clamp the phosphorylation of protein kinase B/AKT at serine473 in proportion to the total amount of protein kinase B/AKT was significantly lower. Muscle ceramide did not correlate with plasma free fatty acids. Conclusions: Fasting for 62 h decreases insulin-mediated peripheral glucose uptake with lower phosphorylation of AKT at serine473. AKT may play a regulatory role in fasting-induced insulin resistance. Whether the decrease in AKT can be attributed to the trend to higher muscle ceramide remains unanswered.

scholarly journals Short-term infusion of interleukin-6 does not induce insulin resistance in vivo or impair insulin signalling in rats

Diabetologia ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 47 (11) ◽  
pp. 1879-1887 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Rotter Sopasakis ◽  
B.-M. Larsson ◽  
A. Johansson ◽  
A. Holm�ng ◽  
U. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Interleukin 6 ◽  
Insulin Signalling ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Induce Insulin Resistance

scholarly journals Protein kinases influence bovine oocyte competence during short-term treatment with recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone

Reproduction ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 130 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atef Ali ◽  
Marc-André Sirard
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Term Treatment ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Blastocyst Formation ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Short Term Treatment ◽  
Developmental Capacity ◽  
Bovine Oocytes

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term treatment (first 2 or 6 h) with recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) during in vitro maturation (IVM) on the developmental competence of bovine oocytes. The roles of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) (possibly involved in FSH response), were investigated using activators (Sp-cAMPS, PMA) or inhibitors (Rp-cAMPS, sphingosine) of these two protein kinases, respectively. The developmental competence of bovine oocytes was measured by the rate of blastocyst formation after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Our results showed that when cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured with r-hFSH for the first 6 h, a highly significant (P < 0.0001) improvement is seen in blastocyst development rate as a proportion of oocytes in culture compared with those matured with r-hFSH for the first 2 or 24 h. A transient exposure (6 h) to the highest dose (100 μM) of forskolin (an activator of adenylate cyclase) increased (P < 0.05) the rate of blastocyst formation. But the PKA inhibitors (Rp-cAMPS) did not affect the stimulatory effects of r-hFSH on the blastocyst yield. However, stimulation of PKC by low doses of PMA (0.1–0.5 μM) during short-term treatment, enhanced (P < 0.0001) the developmental capacity of oocytes, while sphingosine (a specific inhibitor of PKC) inhibited (P < 0.05) the stimulatory effects of r-hFSH on the rate of blastocyst formation. Our results indicate that although the developmental capacity of bovine oocytes in vitro can be modulated by both the PKA, and the PKC pathways, the activation of PKC during short-term treatment can mimic the effect of r-hFSH on the cytoplasmic maturation in bovine oocytes in vitro.

Insulin signalling, exercise and cellular integrity

2003 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 1281-1285 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.P. Kirwan ◽  
L.F. del Aguila
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Insulin Receptor ◽  
Eccentric Exercise ◽  
Insulin Signalling ◽  
Serine Phosphorylation ◽  
Marathon Running ◽  
Glut 4 ◽  
Tnf Α

Although the effects of exercise on insulin sensitivity are generally positive, eccentric exercise presents a paradox because it induces a transient state of insulin resistance that persists for up to 48 h after the exercise bout. Excessive eccentric contractions, such as prolonged downhill running, or marathon running, causes muscle damage and disruption of the integrity of the cell. Down-regulation of insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and subsequent steps in the insulin signalling pathway, including insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)-associated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt kinase serine phosphorylation and activity and glucose transporter (GLUT-4) protein content, are evident in skeletal muscle after eccentric exercise. Furthermore, increased tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) secretion from monocytes is associated with the decrease in PI3K activity after this type of exercise. Recent studies have shown that TNF-α can increase IRS-1 serine/threonine phosphorylation, which impairs IRS-1 docking to the insulin receptor, and this inhibits insulin signalling. Thus a unifying hypothesis to explain insulin resistance after eccentric exercise may include inflammation arising from the disruption of muscle-cell integrity, leading to an acute-phase response that includes TNF-α, with the latter inhibiting insulin signalling and subsequent metabolic events. In contrast, exercise training increases insulin signalling and GLUT-4 expression, decreases TNF-α expression in skeletal muscle, and is associated with enhanced insulin sensitivity. These observations highlight the complexity of the cellular and molecular adaptations to exercise. Understanding these adaptations is essential in order to establish a sound theoretical basis for recommending exercise as a therapeutic intervention for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

scholarly journals Dexamethasone impairs insulin signalling and glucose transport by depletion of insulin receptor substrate-1, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B in primary cultured rat adipocytes

2002 ◽  
pp. 419-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Buren ◽  
HX Liu ◽  
J Jensen ◽  
JW Eriksson
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Glucose Transport ◽  
Insulin Signalling ◽  
Protein Kinase B ◽  
Insulin Binding ◽  
Insulin Receptor Substrate ◽  
Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase ◽  
Rat Adipocytes

OBJECTIVE: Glucocorticoid excess leads to insulin resistance. This study explores the effects of glucocorticoids on the glucose transport system and insulin signalling in rat adipocytes. The interaction between glucocorticoids and high levels of insulin and glucose is also addressed. DESIGN AND METHODS: Isolated rat adipocytes were cultured for 24 h at different glucose concentrations (5 and 15 mmol/l) with or without the glucocorticoid analogue dexamethasone (0.3 micromol/l) and insulin (10(4) microU/ml). After the culture period, the cells were washed and then basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, insulin binding and lipolysis as well as cellular content of insulin signalling proteins (insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), IRS-2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) and protein kinase B (PKB)) and glucose transporter isoform GLUT4 were measured. RESULTS: Dexamethasone in the medium markedly decreased both basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake at both 5 and 15 mmol/l glucose (by approximately 40-50%, P<0.001 and P<0.05 respectively). Combined long-term treatment with insulin and dexamethasone exerted additive effects in decreasing basal, and to a lesser extent insulin-stimulated, glucose uptake capacity (P<0.05) compared with dexamethasone alone, but this was seen only at high glucose (15 mmol/l). Insulin binding was decreased (by approximately 40%, P<0.05) in dexamethasone-treated cells independently of surrounding glucose concentration. Following dexamethasone treatment a approximately 75% decrease (P<0.001) in IRS-1 expression and an increase in IRS-2 (by approximately 150%, P<0.001) was shown. Dexamethasone also induced a subtle decrease in PI3-K (by approximately 20%, P<0.01) and a substantial decrease in PKB content (by approximately 45%, P<0.001). Insulin-stimulated PKB phosphorylation was decreased (by approximately 40%, P<0.01) in dexamethasone-treated cells. Dexamethasone did not alter the amount of total cellular membrane-associated GLUT4 protein. The effects of dexamethasone per se on glucose transport and insulin signalling proteins were mainly unaffected by the surrounding glucose and insulin levels. Dexamethasone increased the basal lipolytic rate (approximately 4-fold, P<0.05), but did not alter the antilipolytic effect of insulin. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that glucocorticoids, independently of the surrounding glucose and insulin concentration, impair glucose transport capacity in fat cells. This is not due to alterations in GLUT4 abundance. Instead dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance may be mediated via reduced cellular content of IRS-1 and PKB accompanied by a parallel reduction in insulin-stimulated activation of PKB.

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