Rab4b is a small GTPase involved in the control of the glucose transporter GLUT4 localization in adipocyte.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Endosomal small GTPases of the Rab family, among them Rab4a, play an essential role in the control of the glucose transporter GLUT4 trafficking, which is essential for insulin-mediated glucose uptake. We found that adipocytes also expressed Rab4b and we observed a consistent decrease in the expression of Rab4b mRNA in human and mice adipose tissue in obese diabetic states. These results led us to study this poorly characterized Rab member and its potential role in glucose transport.

Methodology/principal findings

We used 3T3-L1 adipocytes to study by imaging approaches the localization of Rab4b and to determine the consequence of its down regulation on glucose uptake and endogenous GLUT4 location. We found that Rab4b was localized in endosomal structures in preadi

SUBMITTER: Kaddai V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2707114 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature