FAM13A and POM121C are candidate genes for fasting insulin: functional follow-up analysis of a genome-wide association study

Lundbäck, V., Kulyte, A., Strawbridge, R. J. , Ryden, M., Arner, P., Marcus, C. and Dahlman, I. (2018) FAM13A and POM121C are candidate genes for fasting insulin: functional follow-up analysis of a genome-wide association study. Diabetologia, 61(5), pp. 1112-1123. (doi: 10.1007/s00125-018-4572-8) (PMID:29487953)

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Abstract

Aims/hypothesis: By genome-wide association meta-analysis, 17 genetic loci associated with fasting serum insulin (FSI), a marker of systemic insulin resistance, have been identified. To define potential culprit genes in these loci, in a cross-sectional study we analysed white adipose tissue (WAT) expression of 120 genes in these loci in relation to systemic and adipose tissue variables, and functionally evaluated genes demonstrating genotype-specific expression in WAT (eQTLs). Methods: Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were obtained from 114 women. Basal lipolytic activity was measured as glycerol release from adipose tissue explants. Adipocytes were isolated and insulin-stimulated incorporation of radiolabelled glucose into lipids was used to quantify adipocyte insulin sensitivity. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockout in human mesenchymal stem cells was used for functional evaluation of genes. Results: Adipose expression of 48 of the studied candidate genes associated significantly with FSI, whereas expression of 24, 17 and 2 genes, respectively, associated with adipocyte insulin sensitivity, lipolysis and/or WAT morphology (i.e. fat cell size relative to total body fat mass). Four genetic loci contained eQTLs. In one chromosome 4 locus (rs3822072), the FSI-increasing allele associated with lower FAM13A expression and FAM13A expression associated with a beneficial metabolic profile including decreased WAT lipolysis (regression coefficient, R = −0.50, p = 5.6 × 10−7). Knockdown of FAM13A increased lipolysis by ~1.5- fold and the expression of LIPE (encoding hormone-sensitive lipase, a rate-limiting enzyme in lipolysis). At the chromosome 7 locus (rs1167800), the FSI-increasing allele associated with lower POM121C expression. Consistent with an insulin-sensitising function, POM121C expression associated with systemic insulin sensitivity (R = −0.22, p = 2.0 × 10−2), adipocyte insulin sensitivity (R = 0.28, p = 3.4 × 10−3) and adipose hyperplasia (R = −0.29, p = 2.6 × 10−2). POM121C knockdown decreased expression of all adipocyte-specific markers by 25–50%, suggesting that POM121C is necessary for adipogenesis. Conclusions/interpretation: Gene expression and adipocyte functional studies support the notion that FAM13A and POM121C control adipocyte lipolysis and adipogenesis, respectively, and might thereby be involved in genetic control of systemic insulin sensitivity.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Strawbridge, Dr Rona
Authors: Lundbäck, V., Kulyte, A., Strawbridge, R. J., Ryden, M., Arner, P., Marcus, C., and Dahlman, I.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Diabetologia
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:0012-186X
ISSN (Online):1432-0428
Published Online:27 February 2018
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 The Authors
First Published:First published in Diabetologia 61(5):1112-1123
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
603151EMIFNaveed SattarEuropean Commission (EC)115372RI CARDIOVASCULAR & MEDICAL SCIENCES