Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
08:03
Glucose Uptake Measurement and Response to Insulin Stimulation in In Vitro Cultured Human Primary Myotubes
Published on: June 25, 2017
19.6K
Insulin increases ceramide synthesis in skeletal muscle
M E Hansen1, T S Tippetts1, M C Anderson1
1Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, 593 WIDB, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
Journal of Diabetes Research
|June 21, 2014
Summary
Insulin increases ceramide levels in skeletal muscle, similar to palmitate. This suggests a new therapeutic target for insulin resistance, potentially mitigating harmful effects of hyperinsulinemia.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolic Research
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Insulin resistance is linked to metabolic dysfunction.
- Ceramides are bioactive lipids implicated in metabolic diseases.
- Skeletal muscle plays a key role in glucose homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of insulin on ceramide metabolism in skeletal muscle.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying insulin-induced ceramide changes.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using skeletal muscle cells treated with insulin and palmitate.
- Quantification of lipid levels (ceramides, TAG) and gene expression of biosynthetic enzymes.
- In vivo studies involving insulin injections in adult male mice followed by muscle ceramide analysis.
Main Results:
- Insulin treatment increased ceramide levels in muscle cells, comparable to palmitate.
- Insulin elevated the expression of key enzymes, including SPT2, involved in ceramide synthesis.
- In vivo, insulin injections led to increased ceramide accumulation in mouse soleus muscle.
Conclusions:
- Insulin promotes ceramide accumulation in skeletal muscle, indicating an anabolic effect on sphingolipid metabolism.
- This finding offers a potential mechanism for the adverse effects of hyperinsulinemia in insulin resistance.
- Targeting this pathway may present a novel therapeutic strategy for metabolic disorders.
More Related Videos
11:50Fiber Type and Subcellular-Specific Analysis of Lipid Droplet Content in Skeletal Muscle
Published on: June 8, 2022
4.4K
08:22Combined Intravital Microscopy and Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography of the Mouse Hindlimb to Study Insulin-induced Vasodilation and Muscle Perfusion
Published on: March 20, 2017
10.6K
Related Concept Videos
01:05Insulin Secretory Vesicles
6.3K
Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
6.3K
01:28Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
6.0K
Insulin action is mediated through a receptor tyrosine kinase, akin to the IGF-1 receptor. The number of receptors per cell varies significantly, from 40 on erythrocytes to 300,000 on adipocytes and hepatocytes. The insulin receptor consists of linked α/β subunit dimers, forming a heterotetramer glycoprotein with two extracellular α subunits and two β subunits spanning the membrane. The α subunits inhibit the inherent tyrosine kinase activity of the β subunits, but...
6.0K
01:25Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
2.0K
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic β-cells synthesizes preproinsulin, which consists of a signal peptide, A and B chains, and a C-peptide. Preproinsulin is then cleaved and folded into proinsulin, which translocates to the Golgi apparatus for sorting and packaging into secretory granules. In these granules, enzymatic clipping generates insulin and C-peptide.
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment...
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment...
2.0K
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
13.1K
Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
13.1K
01:16Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
7.4K
Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
7.4K
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
23
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
23