This revised proposal (DK47308-01A2) entitled Downstream elements in IRS-1 signaling: p55/PIK focuses on a novel protein discovered in our laboratory by cDNA expression screening with a [32/P]IRS-1 probe. IRS-1 is an essential component for insulin signaling that becomes phosphorylated on multiple tyrosine residues during activation of the insulin receptor kinase, as well as the receptors for IGF-1, IL-4 and growth hormone. We suspect that important insulin signals are engaged when the phosphorylated tyrosine residues associate with high affinity to cellular signaling proteins which contain Src homology-2 domains (SH2-proteins). The p55/PIK is a newly discovered SH2-protein which shares characteristics with p85, a principle regulatory element linking phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase to IRS-1 and other growth factor receptors. A full understanding of the IRS- 1 signaling system and the elements it interacts with is scientifically and clinically important because diabetes is a contemporary health problem that affects about 2% of the world population and over 14 million Americans. Whereas 10% of these individuals suffer from an absolute lack of insulin (IDDM), most are diabetic because their cells do not respond fully to normal or elevated amounts of circulating insulin (NIDDM). A molecular basis for insulin signaling will provide new therapeutic opportunities for NIDDM patients and improved strategies for the tight control of individuals with IDDM. This proposal introduces a new element in the insulin signaling system called p55/PIK, that appears to link the insulin receptor/IRS-1 to the PI 3-kinase and possibly other downstream signaling molecules. Based on growing literature pointing to the important of PI 3-kinase signaling, and glucose uptake in particular, p55/PIK is expected to play an important role in the cellular insulin response. This proposal will establish over the next five years the role of p55/PIK in the insulin signaling cascade and explore the role of p55/PIK in the regulation of glucose metabolism, neuronal development and apoptosis. The following specific aims are proposed: 1. The expression and function of p55/PIK will be determined in tissues from rats and mice under normal conditions and during fasting, obesity and insulin resistance. 2. The function of p55/PIK in cultured P19 neuronal cells will be investigated. 3. Structure/function analysis of p55/PIK will be conducted by site- directed mutagenesis and overexpression in cultured cells, including CHO, P19 neurons and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. 4. The gene for p55/PIK will be disrupted in mice, and the effect of on glucose homeostatis will be evaluated in the resulting animals.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK047308-04
Application #
2872212
Study Section
Physiological Chemistry Study Section (PC)
Program Officer
Margolis, Ronald N
Project Start
1996-02-27
Project End
2001-01-31
Budget Start
1999-02-15
Budget End
2000-01-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Joslin Diabetes Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
071723084
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02215