The role of potassium channels on the regulation of the insulin signaling pathway

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K08282
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Biological pharmacy
• Research Institution: Hirosaki University (2018-2019); Nagoya City University (2017)
• Principal Investigator: Nishizuka Makoto 弘前大学, 農学生命科学部, 准教授 (00363953)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 脂肪細胞 / カリウムチャネル / インスリンシグナル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To develop new medicine for insulin resistance, it is important to clarify the molecular mechanisms of regulation of the insulin signaling pathway and adipocyte differentiation. In this study, we demonstrated that activation of KCNMA1 channels is required for the regulation of insulin signaling in mature adipocytes. Furthermore, we revealed that the expression of KCa3.1 was upregulated in WAT of mice fad a high fat diet, and was quickly elevated after induction of adipocyte differentiation. In addition, knockdown and overexpression experiments showed that KCa3.1 negatively regulates adipocyte differentiation. Further analyses of KCNMA1 and KCa3.1 will help to understand the molecular mechanisms of insulin signaling pathway and adipocyte differentiation.

Free Research Field

分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究により、インスリン抵抗性惹起と脂肪細胞分化制御に重要な役割を担うカリウムチャネルを見出すことができた。この成果は、インスリン感受性ならびに脂肪細胞分化の制御機構の全容解明の解明だけでなく、新しい肥満および糖尿病治療薬の開発に繋がる可能性がある。