The deubiquitinating enzyme USP25 binds tankyrase and regulates trafficking of the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT4 in adipocytes

Sci Rep. 2019 Mar 18;9(1):4710. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-40596-5.

Abstract

Key to whole body glucose homeostasis is the ability of fat and muscle cells to sequester the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT4 in an intracellular compartment from where it can be mobilized in response to insulin. We have previously demonstrated that this process requires ubiquitination of GLUT4 while numerous other studies have identified several molecules that are also required, including the insulin-responsive aminopeptidase IRAP and its binding partner, the scaffolding protein tankyrase. In addition to binding IRAP, Tankyrase has also been shown to bind the deubiquinating enzyme USP25. Here we demonstrate that USP25 and Tankyrase interact, and colocalise with GLUT4 in insulin-sensitive cells. Furthermore depletion of USP25 from adipocytes reduces cellular levels of GLUT4 and concomitantly blunts the ability of insulin to stimulate glucose transport. Collectively, these data support our model that sorting of GLUT4 into its insulin-sensitive store involves a cycle of ubiquitination and subsequent deubiquitination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3-L1 Cells
  • Adipocytes / cytology
  • Adipocytes / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cystinyl Aminopeptidase / metabolism*
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Glucose Transporter Type 4 / metabolism*
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Tankyrases / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase / genetics
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination

Substances

  • Glucose Transporter Type 4
  • Insulin
  • Slc2a4 protein, mouse
  • USP25 protein, mouse
  • Tankyrases
  • Tnks protein, mouse
  • Cystinyl Aminopeptidase
  • leucyl-cystinyl aminopeptidase
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase
  • Glucose