The Cdc42-interacting protein-4 (CIP4) gene knock-out mouse reveals delayed and decreased endocytosis

Yanming Feng1, Sean M Hartig, John E Bechill

  • 1Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.

Insights

Cdc42-interacting protein-4 (CIP4) influences glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Mice lacking CIP4 show enhanced glucose uptake and altered endocytosis, revealing its physiological role in whole-body function.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The F-BAR protein family, including Cdc42-interacting protein-4 (CIP4), is involved in membrane remodeling processes like endocytosis.
  • The in vivo functions of the F-BAR protein family, particularly CIP4, remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the physiological role of CIP4 in vivo.
  • To determine the impact of CIP4 deficiency on glucose metabolism and endocytosis.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of Cip4-null mice using homologous recombination.
  • Assessment of glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in knockout and wild-type mice.
  • Analysis of glucose uptake in isolated adipocytes and endocytosis in mouse embryonic fibroblasts.

Main Results:

  • Cip4-null mice exhibited lower post-prandial glucose levels and increased insulin sensitivity.
  • Enhanced glucose uptake in adipocytes from Cip4-null mice was associated with increased GLUT4 levels in muscle membranes.
  • Impaired endocytosis of transferrin, dextran, and horseradish peroxidase was observed in fibroblasts from Cip4-null mice.

Conclusions:

  • CIP4 plays a significant physiological role in regulating glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
  • CIP4 is involved in multiple modes of endocytosis, impacting cellular and whole-animal phenotypes.