Novel actions of IGFBP-3 on intracellular signaling pathways of insulin-secreting cells

Understanding mechanisms underlying apoptotic destruction of insulin-secreting cells is critical to validate therapeutic targets for type 1 diabetes mellitus. We recently reported insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) as a novel mediator of apoptosis in insulin-secreting cells. In light of emerging IGF-independent roles for IGFBP-3, we investigated the mechanisms underlying actions of the novel, recombinant human mutant G56G80G81-IGFBP-3, which lacks intrinsic IGF binding affinity. Using the rat insulinoma RINm5F cell line, we report the first studies in insulin-secreting cells that IGFBP-3 selectively suppresses multiple, key intracellular phosphorelays. By immunoblot, we demonstrate that G56G80G81-IGFBP-3 suppresses phosphorylation of c-raf-MEK-ERK pathway and p38 kinase in time-dependent and dose-dependent manners. SAPK/JNK signaling was unaffected. These data delineate several novel intracellular sites of action for IGFBP-3 in insulin-secreting cells.