Cloning of a Rab3 isotype predominantly expressed in adipocytes

We have isolated the cDNA for Rab3D, an additional member of the small molecular weight GTP-binding protein family. Rab3D message is abundant in mouse adipocytes. It is increased during differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells into adipocytes, temporally coincident with the appearance of the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter GLUT4. Rab3D is a close homolog of Rab3A, which is found on the cytoplasmic surface of neurosecretory vesicles and which may be involved in their regulated secretion. Since our previous work showed that in permeabilized adipocytes nonhydrolizable GTP analogs mimic insulin in triggering exocytosis of GLUT4-containing vesicles, Rab3D may be involved in the insulin-induced exocytosis of GLUT4-containing vesicles in adipocytes.