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Regulation of Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Insulin Resistance by MAPK Phosphatase 5
Yongliang Zhang1, Thang Nguyen2, Peng Tang1
1From the Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore, the Immunology Programme, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
Abstract:
Obesity and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes have become a major threat to public health globally. The mechanisms that lead to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes have not been well understood. In this study, we show that mice deficient in MAPK phosphatase 5 (MKP5) develop insulin resistance spontaneously at an early stage of life and glucose intolerance at a later age. Increased macrophage infiltration in white adipose tissue of young MKP5-deficient mice correlates with the development of insulin resistance. Glucose intolerance in MKP5-deficient mice is accompanied by significantly increased visceral adipose weight, reduced AKT activation, enhanced p38 activity, and increased inflammation in visceral adipose tissue when compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Deficiency of MKP5 resulted in increased inflammatory activation in macrophages. These findings thus demonstrate that MKP5 critically controls inflammation in white adipose tissue and the development of metabolic disorders.
Insights
MAPK phosphatase 5 (MKP5) deficiency causes insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in mice by promoting inflammation in white adipose tissue. This highlights MKP5
Area of Science:
- Metabolic disorders
- Immunology
- Cellular signaling
Background:
- Obesity and type 2 diabetes are global health concerns.
- Mechanisms underlying insulin resistance are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MAPK phosphatase 5 (MKP5) in metabolic regulation and insulin resistance.
Main Methods:
- Studied MKP5-deficient mice and wild-type (WT) controls.
- Analyzed macrophage infiltration, adipose tissue inflammation, and key signaling pathways (AKT, p38).
Main Results:
- MKP5-deficient mice developed spontaneous insulin resistance and later glucose intolerance.
- Increased macrophage infiltration and inflammation were observed in white adipose tissue.
- Reduced AKT activation and enhanced p38 activity were noted in visceral adipose tissue.
Conclusions:
- MKP5 plays a critical role in controlling inflammation in white adipose tissue.
- MKP5 deficiency contributes to the development of metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance.
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