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Negative regulation of adipose-expressed galectin-12 by isoproterenol, tumor necrosis factor alpha, insulin and

Mathias Fasshauer1, Johannes Klein, Ulrike Lossner

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Leipzig, Leipzig 04103, Germany.

European Journal of Endocrinology
|October 9, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Galectin-12, an adipocyte protein, is downregulated by hormones that induce insulin resistance. This suggests galectin-12 plays a role in the development of insulin resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Galectin-12 is an adipocyte-expressed protein.
  • It is stimulated by insulin-sensitizing thiazolidinediones.
  • Galectin-12 possesses apoptosis-inducing activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the regulation of galectin-12.
  • To explore galectin-12's potential involvement in insulin resistance development.

Main Methods:

  • 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with hormones known to impair insulin sensitivity.
  • Galectin-12 mRNA levels were quantified using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Main Results:

  • Hormones like isoproterenol, insulin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), and dexamethasone significantly reduced galectin-12 gene expression.
  • The inhibitory effects were dose-dependent.
  • Isoproterenol's inhibition was reversed by propranolol and mimicked by G(S)-protein stimulation or adenylyl cyclase activation.

Conclusions:

  • Galectin-12 is downregulated by insulin resistance-inducing hormones in adipocytes.
  • These findings suggest a role for galectin-12 in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance.

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