Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Assessing Replication and Beta Cell Function in Adenovirally-transduced Isolated Rodent Islets
Published on: June 25, 2012
Adipokine ganglioside GM2 activator protein stimulates insulin secretion
Kiyoshi Higashi1, Hideki Kubo, Hiroyuki Watanabe
1Environmental Health Science Laboratory, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd, Osaka, Japan. higashik2@sc.sumitomo-chem.co.jp
Abstract:
Recently, we identified ganglioside GM2 activator protein (GM2AP) as a novel adipokine, and revealed that treatment of cultured cells with GM2AP impairs insulin signal transduction. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of GM2AP on glucose metabolism in vivo. Injection of recombinant GM2AP in mice significantly lowered blood glucose levels in glucose tolerance tests. Administration of GM2AP to mice for 10 days increased serum insulin levels, whereas the contents of glucose, leptin and FFA were significantly decreased. Stimulation of calcium influx and insulin secretion by GM2AP was observed in hamster insulinoma HIT-T15 cells. Blockage of GM2AP function by specific antibodies inhibited GM2AP-induced insulin secretion. These results provide novel insights into the physiological functions of GM2AP in obesity.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin Secretory Vesicles
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways

