Insulin Action in Brain Regulates Systemic Metabolism and Brain Function

Overview

Journal Diabetes

Specialty Endocrinology

Date 2014 Jun 17

PMID 24931034

Citations 256

Authors

Andre Kleinridders

Heather A Ferris

Weikang Cai

C Ronald Kahn

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Insulin receptors, as well as IGF-1 receptors and their postreceptor signaling partners, are distributed throughout the brain. Insulin acts on these receptors to modulate peripheral metabolism, including regulation of appetite, reproductive function, body temperature, white fat mass, hepatic glucose output, and response to hypoglycemia. Insulin signaling also modulates neurotransmitter channel activity, brain cholesterol synthesis, and mitochondrial function. Disruption of insulin action in the brain leads to impairment of neuronal function and synaptogenesis. In addition, insulin signaling modulates phosphorylation of tau protein, an early component in the development of Alzheimer disease. Thus, alterations in insulin action in the brain can contribute to metabolic syndrome, and the development of mood disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

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