Nck1 Regulates Glucose Metabolism in Primary Human T Cells

Non-catalytic region of tyrosine kinase 1 (Nck1) is an adaptor protein found in many cell types and plays several functions. In T cells, Nck1 is functionally associated with a T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated actin rearrangement, insulin signalling, PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and lipid production. However, the role of Nck1 in regulating glucose metabolism in T cells is still largely unknown. In the present study, the role of Nck1 in glucose metabolism in primary human T cells was investigated. Plasmid encoding Nck1-specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was delivered to primary T cells to mediate Nck1 silencing. Plasmids encoding Nck1-specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) were delivered to primary human T cells to mediate Nck1 silencing. Nck1-knockdown (N1KD) cells were analysed for processes related to glucose metabolism and function. Despite an increased expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in N1KD cells, these cells exhibited impaired glucose uptake and ATP production, indicating dysfunction of GLUT1 or altered intracellular glucose metabolism. Nck1 depletion disrupted metabolic signalling characterised by reduced TXNIP and phosphoribosomal protein S6 (pS6) levels, along with an increased phosphorylation of Akt and AMPK. The reduced extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) found in N1KD cells indicated impaired glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Functionally, these metabolic alterations were associated with impaired T cell activation, reduced proliferation, and increased apoptosis. Collectively, Nck1 critically regulated glucose metabolism in T cells, linking metabolic reprogramming to immune function and cell survival.