Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

A High Resolution Method to Monitor Phosphorylation-dependent Activation of IRF3
Published on: January 24, 2016
PKCdelta-mediated IRS-1 Ser24 phosphorylation negatively regulates IRS-1 function
Michael W Greene1, Mary S Ruhoff, Richard A Roth
1Bassett Research Institute, Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA. michael.greene@bassett.org <michael.greene@bassett.org>
Abstract:
The IRS-1 PH and PTB domains are essential for insulin-stimulated IRS-1 Tyr phosphorylation and insulin signaling, while Ser/Thr phosphorylation of IRS-1 disrupts these signaling events. To investigate consensus PKC phosphorylation sites in the PH-PTB domains of human IRS-1, we changed Ser24, Ser58, and Thr191 to Ala (3A) or Glu (3E), to block or mimic phosphorylation, respectively. The 3A mutant abrogated the inhibitory effect of PKCdelta on insulin-stimulated IRS-1 Tyr phosphorylation, while reductions in insulin-stimulated IRS-1 Tyr phosphorylation, cellular proliferation, and Akt activation were observed with the 3E mutant. When single Glu mutants were tested, the Ser24 to Glu mutant had the greatest inhibitory effect on insulin-stimulated IRS-1 Tyr phosphorylation. PKCdelta-mediated IRS-1 Ser24 phosphorylation was confirmed in cells with PKCdelta catalytic domain mutants and by an RNAi method. Mechanistic studies revealed that IRS-1 with Ala and Glu point mutations at Ser24 impaired phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate binding. In summary, our data are consistent with the hypothesis that Ser24 is a negative regulatory phosphorylation site in IRS-1.
Insights
Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) Ser24 phosphorylation by PKCdelta acts as a negative regulator, inhibiting insulin signaling and cellular proliferation by impairing phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate binding.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) is crucial for insulin signaling, with its tyrosine phosphorylation regulated by both positive and negative mechanisms.
- Serine/threonine phosphorylation of IRS-1, particularly by Protein Kinase C (PKC), can disrupt insulin signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of specific serine/threonine phosphorylation sites within the PH-PTB domains of human IRS-1.
- To determine if consensus PKC phosphorylation sites (Ser24, Ser58, Thr191) are involved in the negative regulation of insulin signaling.
Main Methods:
- Site-directed mutagenesis was used to create IRS-1 mutants where Ser24, Ser58, and Thr191 were replaced with Alanine (to block phosphorylation) or Glutamate (to mimic phosphorylation).
- These mutants were analyzed for their effects on insulin-stimulated IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation, cellular proliferation, and Akt activation.
- PKCdelta involvement was confirmed using catalytic domain mutants and RNA interference (RNAi).
- Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate binding assays were performed on mutated IRS-1 proteins.
Main Results:
- Mutating Ser24, Ser58, and Thr191 to Alanine (3A) abrogated the inhibitory effect of PKCdelta on IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation.
- Mutating these sites to Glutamate (3E) reduced insulin-stimulated IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation, cellular proliferation, and Akt activation.
- The Ser24 to Glutamate single mutant showed the most significant inhibition of insulin-stimulated IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation.
- PKCdelta-mediated phosphorylation at Ser24 was confirmed, and mutations at Ser24 impaired phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate binding.
Conclusions:
- Serine 24 in IRS-1 is identified as a key negative regulatory phosphorylation site.
- PKCdelta-mediated phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser24 inhibits insulin signaling by disrupting phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate binding.
- This finding provides mechanistic insight into how IRS-1 activity is downregulated in response to certain stimuli.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
The Unfolded Protein Response
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle

