Sf. De La Monte et al., Differential effects of ethanol on insulin-signaling through the insulin receptor substrate-1, ALC CLIN EX, 23(5), 1999, pp. 770-777
Insulin stimulation increases cell proliferation and energy metabolism by a
ctivating the insulin receptor substrate I (IRS-1)-signaling pathways. This
downstream signaling is mediated by interactions of specific tyrosyl phosp
horylated (PY) IRS-1 motifs with SH2-containing molecules such as growth-fa
ctor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2) and Syp. Ethanol inhibits insulin-stim
ulated tyrosyl phosphorylation of IRS-1 and DNA synthesis. This study explo
res the roles of the Grb2- and Syp-binding motifs of IRS-I in relation to t
he inhibitory effects of ethanol on insulin-stimulated DNA synthesis, proli
ferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydro
genase (GAPDH) expression, and activation of mitogen-activated protein kina
se (MAPK), which is known to be essential for cell proliferation. NIH3T3 ce
lls were stably transfected with wild-type IRS-1, or IRS-1 mutated at the G
rb2 (IRS-1 Delta Grb2), Syp (IRS-1 Delta Syp), or Grb2 and Syp (IRS-1 Delta
Grb2 Delta Syp)- binding sites. Cells transfected with IRS-1 had increased
levels of DNA synthesis, PCNA, GAPDH, and activated MAPK. The IRS-1 Delta
Grb2 transfectants were highly responsive to insulin stimulation, achieving
levels of GAPDH, PCNA, and activated MAPK that were higher than control. I
n contrast, the IRS-1 Delta Syp and IRS-1 Delta Grb2 Delta Syp transfectant
s had reduced levels of DNA synthesis, PCNA, and activated MAPK. Ethanol ex
posure decreased insulin-stimulated DNA synthesis, PCNA, GAPDH, and activat
ed MAPK levels in all clones, but the wild-type IRS-1 transfectants were re
latively resistant, and the IRS-1 Delta Grb2 transfectants were extraordina
rily sensitive to these inhibitory effects of ethanol. The findings suggest
that insulin-stimulated DNA synthesis and PCNA expression are mediated thr
ough the Syp-binding domain, whereas GAPDH expression and MAPK activation a
re modulated through both the Grb2 and Syp motifs of IRS-1. In addition. et
hanol exposure may preferentially inhibit downstream signaling that require
s interaction between Syp and PY-IRS-1.