The Role of AMP-activated Protein Kinase in Alleviating Insulin Resistance in Hypothalamic Neurons
Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Insulin signaling in the brain is vital to maintain whole-body glucose and energy homeostasis. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key enzyme that acts as a regulator of energy homeostasis within insulin sensitive tissues. To investigate the role of AMPK on insulin resistance within the hypothalamus, the rHypoE-19 and mHypoA-NPY/GFP hypothalamic cell lines were used. Both of these cell lines express the insulin receptor and accompanying downstream molecules involved in normal insulin signaling. To induce cellular insulin resistance, the neuronal cell lines were exposed to chronic insulin for sustained periods. It was found that pre-treatment with the AMPK activator, AICAR, had an effect on insulin action and was able to slightly improve the state of chronic insulin-induced resistance within both cell lines. Therefore, these studies provide a clearer understanding of the potential role of the AMPK pathway in improving the state of cellular insulin resistance within the hypothalamus.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Jonathan A. Menchella
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2621127341