Insulin stimulates IGFBP-2 expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through the PI3K/mTOR pathway

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2) has been implicated in the etiology of several diseases, including the metabolic syndrome. Although IGFBP-2 derives mostly from the liver, recent evidence in mice and humans indicate that aging and obesity are associated with altered IGFBP-2 levels in white adipocytes. The present study was aimed at determining the mechanisms that control IGFBP-2 expression in mature adipocytes. IGFBP-2 mRNA and protein expression in serum-deprived 3T3-L1 adipocytes were twofold increased by acute insulin treatment. Co-treatments with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin or the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin blunted the effects of insulin. Coherently, IGFBP-2 mRNA levels were robustly increased in adipocytes lacking either TSC2 or 4E-BP1. Insulin triggered the recruitment of CAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) to the IGFBP-2 proximal promoter. These findings suggest that insulin upregulates IGFBP-2 expression through a PI3K/mTOR/C/EBPα pathway in white adipocytes.

► Insulin stimulates IGFBP-2 mRNA and protein expression in white adipocytes.
► Blocking insulin signaling by pharmacologic or genetic methods attenuates IGFBP-2 expression.
► Insulin induces the recruitment of C/EBPα to the IGFBP-2 proximal promoter.