microRNA-205-5p is a modulator of insulin sensitivity that inhibits FOXO function.

Langlet F, Tarbier M, Haeusler RA, Camastra S, Ferrannini E, Friedländer MR, Accili D

Mol Metab 17 (-) 49-60 [2018-11-00; online 2018-08-11]

Hepatic insulin resistance is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Insulin receptor signaling through AKT and FOXO has important metabolic effects that have traditionally been ascribed to regulation of gene expression. However, whether all the metabolic effects of FOXO arise from its regulation of protein-encoding mRNAs is unknown. To address this question, we obtained expression profiles of FOXO-regulated murine hepatic microRNAs (miRNAs) during fasting and refeeding using mice lacking Foxo1, 3a, and 4 in liver (L-Foxo1,3a, 4). Out of 439 miRNA analyzed, 175 were differentially expressed in Foxo knockouts. Their functions were associated with insulin, Wnt, Mapk signaling, and aging. Among them, we report a striking increase of miR-205-5p expression in L-Foxo1,3a,4 knockouts, as well as in obese mice. We show that miR-205-5p gain-of-function increases AKT phosphorylation and decreases SHIP2 in primary hepatocytes, resulting in FOXO inhibition. This results in decreased hepatocyte glucose production. Consistent with these observations, miR-205-5p gain-of-function in mice lowered glucose levels and improved pyruvate tolerance. These findings reveal a homeostatic miRNA loop regulating insulin signaling, with potential implications for in vivo glucose metabolism.

Marc Friedländer

SciLifeLab Fellow

PubMed 30174230

DOI 10.1016/j.molmet.2018.08.003

Crossref 10.1016/j.molmet.2018.08.003

pii: S2212-8778(18)30754-3
pmc: PMC6197154


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