Cross-talk among HMGA1 and FoxO1 in control of nuclear insulin signaling

Sci Rep. 2018 Jun 4;8(1):8540. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-26968-3.

Abstract

As a mediator of insulin-regulated gene expression, the FoxO1 transcription factor represents a master regulator of liver glucose metabolism. We previously reported that the high-mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) protein, a molecular switch for the insulin receptor gene, functions also as a downstream target of the insulin receptor signaling pathway, representing a critical nuclear mediator of insulin function. Here, we investigated whether a functional relationship existed between FoxO1 and HMGA1, which might help explain insulin-mediated gene transcription in the liver. To this end, as a model study, we investigated the canonical FoxO1-HMGA1-responsive IGFBP1 gene, whose hepatic expression is regulated by insulin. By using a conventional GST-pull down assay combined with co-immunoprecipitation and Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) analyses, we provide evidence of a physical interaction between FoxO1 and HMGA1. Further investigation with chromatin immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy, and Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) technology indicated a functional significance of this interaction, in both basal and insulin-stimulated states, providing evidence that, by modulating FoxO1 transactivation, HMGA1 is essential for FoxO1-induced IGFBP1 gene expression, and thereby a critical modulator of insulin-mediated FoxO1 regulation in the liver. Collectively, our findings highlight a novel FoxO1/HMGA1-mediated mechanism by which insulin may regulate gene expression and metabolism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Forkhead Box Protein O1 / genetics
  • Forkhead Box Protein O1 / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • HEK293 Cells
  • HMGA Proteins / genetics
  • HMGA Proteins / metabolism*
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Insulin / genetics
  • Insulin / metabolism*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 / biosynthesis
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 / genetics
  • Liver / cytology
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Models, Biological
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • FOXO1 protein, human
  • Forkhead Box Protein O1
  • Foxo1 protein, mouse
  • HMGA Proteins
  • IGFBP1 protein, human
  • Insulin
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1