Gareth E. Lim

A causal role for hyperinsulinemia in obesity

Insulin modulates the biochemical pathways controlling lipid uptake, lipolysis and lipogenesis at multiple levels. Elevated insulin levels are associated with obesity, and conversely, dietary and pharmacological manipulations that reduce insulin have occasionally been reported to cause weight loss. However, the causal role of insulin hypersecretion in the development of mammalian obesity remained controversial in the absence of direct loss-of-function experiments. Here, we discuss theoretical considerations around the causal role of excess insulin for obesity, as well as recent studies employing mice that are genetically incapable of the rapid and sustained hyperinsulinemia that normally accompanies a high-fat diet. We also discuss new evidence demonstrating that modest reductions in circulating insulin prevent weight gain, with sustained effects that can persist after insulin levels normalize. Importantly, evidence from long-term studies reveals that a modest reduction in circulating insulin is not associated with impaired glucose homeostasis, meaning that body weight and lipid homeostasis are actually more sensitive to small changes in circulating insulin than glucose homeostasis in these models. Collectively, the evidence from new studies on genetic loss-of-function models forces a re-evaluation of current paradigms related to obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes. The potential for translation of these findings to humans is briefly discussed.

Pancreatic β-cell Raf-1 is required for glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and insulin 2 transcription

Regulation of glucose homeostasis by insulin depends on pancreatic β‐cell growth, survival, and function. Raf‐1 kinase is a major downstream target of several growth factors that promote proliferation and survival of many cell types, including the pancreatic β cells. We have previously reported that insulin protects β cells from apoptosis and promotes proliferation by activating Raf‐1 signaling in cultured human islets, mouse islets, and MIN6 cells. As Raf‐1 activity is critical for basal apoptosis and insulin secretion in vitro, we hypothesized that Raf‐1 may play an important role in glucose homeostasis in vivo. To test this hypothesis, we utilized the Cre‐loxP recombination system to obtain a pancreatic β‐cell‐specific ablation of Raf‐1 kinase gene (RIPCre+/+: Raf‐1flox/flox) and a complete set of littermate controls (RIPCre+/+:Raf‐1wt/wt). RIPCre+/+:Raf‐1flox/flox mice were viable, and no effects on weight gain were observed. RIPCre+/+:Raf‐1flox/flox mice had increased fasting blood glucose levels and impaired glucose tolerance but normal insulin tolerance compared to littermate controls. Insulin secretion in vivo and in isolated islets was markedly impaired, but there was no apparent effect on the exocytosis machinery. However, islet insulin protein and insulin 2 mRNA, but not insulin 1 mRNA, were dramatically reduced in Raf‐1‐knockout mice. Analysis of insulin 2 knockout mice demonstrated that this reduction in mRNA was sufficient to impair in vivo insulin secretion. Our data further indicate that Raf‐1 specifically and acutely regulates insulin 2 mRNA via negative action on Foxo1, which has been shown to selectively control the insulin 2 gene. This work provides the first direct evidence that Raf‐1 signaling is essential for the regulation of basal insulin transcription and the supply of releasable insulin in vivo.—Alejandro, E. U., Lim, G. E., Mehran, A. E., Hu, X., Taghizadeh, F., Pelipeychenko, D., Baccarini, M., Johnson, J. D. Pancreatic β‐cell Raf‐1 is required for glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and insulin 2 transcription. FASEB J. 25, 3884–3895 (2011). www.fasebj.org

14-3-3 proteins are essential signalling hubs for beta cell survival

Aims/hypothesisDiabetes is characterised by pancreatic beta cell death and dysfunction, resulting from unbalanced pro-survival and pro-death signalling. The 14-3-3 proteins are molecular adaptors that integrate numerous signalling pathways, including the v-raf-leukaemia viral oncogene 1 (RAF1)/B cell leukaemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL-2)-associated agonist of cell death (BAD) pathway, which we have previously implicated in insulin-dependent beta cell survival. Nevertheless, the roles of 14-3-3 proteins in beta cell fate and function have not been investigated.MethodsWe examined the abundance, localisation, modulation and roles of 14-3-3 proteins using quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblot or imaging. MIN6 cells or mouse islets cells were manipulated with inhibitors, short interfering RNA (siRNA) or plasmids overexpressing 14-3-3.ResultsWe first characterised the abundance and subcellular location of all seven 14-3-3 isoforms in mouse and human beta cells. Most isoforms were cytoplasmic, except 14-3-3σ, which appeared to be nuclear. Analysis of 14-3-3 abundance under stress conditions revealed distinct modulation in mouse islets and MIN6 cells. Generalised 14-3-3 inhibition promoted apoptosis and dysfunction, and siRNA-mediated knockdown revealed isoform-specific roles in caspase-3-dependent beta cell apoptosis, with a clear role for 14-3-3ζ. Overabundance of 14-3-3ζ sequestered BAD–BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) from mitochondria, attenuated Dp5 (also known as Hrk) and Puma (also known as Bbc3) induction, and increased survival in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines or thapsigargin. Anti-apoptotic insulin treatment increased the sequestration of BAD/BAX by 14-3-3ζ. BAD mutants that were unable to bind 14-3-3ζ localised to mitochondria and induced apoptosis.Conclusions/interpretationThis first study of the 14-3-3 family in beta cells revealed specific regulation, localisation and anti-apoptotic roles among the isoforms. Focus on 14-3-3ζ revealed its importance in preventing BAD–BAX mitochondrial localisation and protecting beta cells from multiple stresses. Thus, some 14-3-3 proteins are pro-survival signalling hubs.

Is Dynamic Autocrine Insulin Signaling Possible? A Mathematical Model Predicts Picomolar Concentrations of Extracellular Monomeric Insulin within Human Pancreatic Islets

Insulin signaling is essential for -cell survival and proliferation in vivo. Insulin also has potent mitogenic and anti-apoptotic actions on cultured -cells, with maximum effect in the high picomolar range and diminishing effect at high nanomolar doses. In order to understand whether these effects of insulin are constitutive or can be subjected to physiological modulation, it is essential to estimate the extracellular concentration of monomeric insulin within an intact islet. Unfortunately, the in vivo concentration of insulin monomers within the islet cannot be measured directly with current technology. Here, we present the first mathematical model designed to estimate the levels of monomeric insulin within the islet extracellular space. Insulin is released as insoluble crystals that exhibit a delayed dissociation into hexamers, dimers, and eventually monomers, which only then can act as signaling ligands. The rates at which different forms of insulin dissolve in vivo have been estimated from studies of peripheral insulin injection sites. We used this and other information to formulate a mathematical model to estimate the local insulin concentration within a single islet as a function of glucose. Model parameters were estimated from existing literature. Components of the model were validated using experimental data, if available. Model analysis predicted that the majority of monomeric insulin in the islet is that which has been returned from the periphery, and the concentration of intra-islet monomeric insulin varies from 50–300 pM when glucose is in the physiological range. Thus, our results suggest that the local concentration of monomeric insulin within the islet is in the picomolar ‘sweet spot’ range of insulin doses that activate the insulin receptor and have the most potent effects on -cells in vitro. Together with experimental data, these estimations support the concept that autocrine/paracrine insulin signalling within the islet is dynamic, rather than constitutive and saturated.

14-3-3ζ coordinates adipogenesis of visceral fat

The proteins that coordinate complex adipogenic transcriptional networks are poorly understood. 14-3-3ζ is a molecular adaptor protein that regulates insulin signalling and transcription factor networks. Here we report that 14-3-3ζ-knockout mice are strikingly lean from birth with specific reductions in visceral fat depots. Conversely, transgenic 14-3-3ζ overexpression potentiates obesity, without exacerbating metabolic complications. Only the 14-3-3ζ isoform is essential for adipogenesis based on isoform-specific RNAi. Mechanistic studies show that 14-3-3ζ depletion promotes autophagy-dependent degradation of C/EBP-δ, preventing induction of the master adipogenic factors, Pparγ and C/EBP-α. Transcriptomic data indicate that 14-3-3ζ acts upstream of hedgehog signalling-dependent upregulation of Cdkn1b/p27Kip1. Indeed, concomitant knockdown of p27Kip1 or Gli3 rescues the early block in adipogenesis induced by 14-3-3ζ knockdown in vitro. Adipocyte precursors in 14-3-3ζKO embryos also appear to have greater Gli3 and p27Kip1 abundance. Together, our in vivo and in vitro findings demonstrate that 14-3-3ζ is a critical upstream driver of adipogenesis.

Inter-domain tagging implicates caveolin-1 in insulin receptor trafficking and Erk signaling bias in pancreatic beta-cells

Objective The role and mechanisms of insulin receptor internalization remain incompletely understood. Previous trafficking studies of insulin receptors involved fluorescent protein tagging at their termini, manipulations that may be expected to result in dysfunctional receptors. Our objective was to determine the trafficking route and molecular mechanisms of functional tagged insulin receptors and endogenous insulin receptors in pancreatic beta-cells. Methods We generated functional insulin receptors tagged with pH-resistant fluorescent proteins between domains. Confocal, TIRF and STED imaging revealed a trafficking pattern of inter-domain tagged insulin receptors and endogenous insulin receptors detected with antibodies. Results Surprisingly, interdomain-tagged and endogenous insulin receptors in beta-cells bypassed classical Rab5a- or Rab7-mediated endocytic routes. Instead, we found that removal of insulin receptors from the plasma membrane involved tyrosine-phosphorylated caveolin-1, prior to trafficking within flotillin-1-positive structures to lysosomes. Multiple methods of inhibiting caveolin-1 significantly reduced Erk activation in vitro or in vivo, while leaving Akt signaling mostly intact. Conclusions We conclude that phosphorylated caveolin-1 plays a role in insulin receptor internalization towards lysosomes through flotillin-1-positive structures and that caveolin-1 helps bias physiological beta-cell insulin signaling towards Erk activation.

Effects of insulin on human pancreatic cancer progression modeled in vitro

BackgroundPancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal cancers, yet it remains understudied and poorly understood. Hyperinsulinemia has been reported to be a risk factor of pancreatic cancer, and the rapid rise of hyperinsulinemia associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes foreshadows a rise in cancer incidence. However, the actions of insulin at the various stages of pancreatic cancer progression remain poorly defined.MethodsHere, we examined the effects of a range of insulin doses on signalling, proliferation and survival in three human cell models meant to represent three stages in pancreatic cancer progression: primary pancreatic duct cells, the HPDE immortalized pancreatic ductal cell line, and the PANC1 metastatic pancreatic cancer cell line. Cells were treated with a range of insulin doses, and their proliferation/viability were tracked via live cell imaging and XTT assays. Signal transduction was assessed through the AKT and ERK signalling pathways via immunoblotting. Inhibitors of AKT and ERK signalling were used to determine the relative contribution of these pathways to the survival of each cell model.ResultsWhile all three cell types responded to insulin, as indicated by phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, we found that there were stark differences in insulin-dependent proliferation, cell viability and cell survival among the cell types. High concentrations of insulin increased PANC1 and HPDE cell number, but did not alter primary duct cell proliferation in vitro. Cell survival was enhanced by insulin in both primary duct cells and HPDE cells. Moreover, we found that primary cells were more dependent on AKT signalling, while HPDE cells and PANC1 cells were more dependent on RAF/ERK signalling.ConclusionsOur data suggest that excessive insulin signalling may contribute to proliferation and survival in human immortalized pancreatic ductal cells and metastatic pancreatic cancer cells, but not in normal adult human pancreatic ductal cells. These data suggest that signalling pathways involved in cell survival may be rewired during pancreatic cancer progression.

14-3-3ζ: A numbers game in adipocyte function?

ABSTRACT Molecular scaffolds are often viewed as passive signaling molecules that facilitate protein-protein interactions. However, new evidence gained from the use of loss-of-function or gain-of-function models is dispelling this notion. Our own recent discovery of 14-3-3ζ as an essential regulator of adipogenesis highlights the complex roles of this member of the 14-3-3 protein family. Depletion of the 14-3-3ζ isoform affected parallel pathways that drive adipocyte development, including pathways controlling the stability of key adipogenic transcription factors and cell cycle progression. Going beyond adipocyte differentiation, this study opens new avenues of research in the context of metabolism, as 14-3-3ζ binds to a variety of well-established metabolic proteins that harbor its canonical phosphorylation binding motifs. This suggests that 14-3-3ζ may contribute to key metabolic signaling pathways, such as those that facilitate glucose uptake and fatty acid metabolism. Herein, we discuss these novel areas of research, which will undoubtedly shed light onto novel roles of 14-3-3ζ, and perhaps its related family members, on glucose homeostasis.

Ywhaz/14-3-3ζ Deletion Improves Glucose Tolerance Through a GLP-1-Dependent Mechanism.

Multiple signaling pathways mediate the actions of metabolic hormones to control glucose homeostasis, but the proteins that coordinate such networks are poorly understood. We previously identified the molecular scaffold protein, 14-3-3ζ, as a critical regulator of in vitro β-cell survival and adipogenesis, but its metabolic roles in glucose homeostasis have not been studied in depth. Herein, we report that Ywhaz gene knockout mice (14-3-3ζKO) exhibited elevated fasting insulin levels while maintaining normal β-cell responsiveness to glucose when compared with wild-type littermate controls. In contrast with our observations after an ip glucose bolus, glucose tolerance was significantly improved in 14-3-3ζKO mice after an oral glucose gavage. This improvement in glucose tolerance was associated with significantly elevated fasting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels. 14-3-3ζ knockdown in GLUTag L cells elevated GLP-1 synthesis and increased GLP-1 release. Systemic inhibition of the GLP-1 receptor attenuated the improvement in oral glucose tolerance that was seen in 14-3-3ζKO mice. When taken together these findings demonstrate novel roles of 14-3-3ζ in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and suggest that modulating 14-3-3ζ levels in intestinal L cells may have beneficial metabolic effects through GLP-1-dependent mechanisms.