Neurogenin 3-specific dipeptidyl peptidase-2 deficiency causes impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and visceral obesity

Endocrinology. 2009 Dec;150(12):5240-8. doi: 10.1210/en.2009-0386. Epub 2009 Oct 9.

Abstract

The control of glucose metabolism is a complex process, and dysregulation at any level can cause impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. These two defects are well-known characteristics associated with obesity and onset of type 2 diabetes. Here we introduce the N-terminal dipeptidase, DPP2, as a novel regulator of the glucose metabolism. We generated mice with a neurogenin 3 (NGN3)-specific DPP2 knockdown (kd) to explore a possible role of DPP2 in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. These mice spontaneously developed hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance by 4 months of age. In addition, we observed an increase in food intake in DPP2 kd mice, which was associated with a significant increase in adipose tissue mass and enhanced liver steatosis but no difference in body weight. In accordance with these findings, the mutant mice had a higher rate of respiratory exchange than the control littermates. This phenotype was exacerbated with age and when challenged with a high-fat diet. We report, for the first time, that DPP2 enzyme activity is essential for preventing hyperinsulinemia and maintaining glucose homeostasis. Interestingly, the phenotype of NGN3-DPP2 kd mice is opposite that of DPP4 knockout mice with regard to glucose metabolism, namely the former have normal glucagon-like peptide 1 levels but present with glucose intolerance, whereas the latter have increased glucagon-like peptide 1, which is accompanied by augmented glucose tolerance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Adipose Tissue / pathology
  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidases and Tripeptidyl-Peptidases / genetics
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidases and Tripeptidyl-Peptidases / metabolism*
  • Eating
  • Fasting / blood
  • Fatty Liver / genetics
  • Fatty Liver / metabolism
  • Fatty Liver / pathology
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / metabolism
  • Glucose Intolerance / blood
  • Glucose Intolerance / metabolism*
  • Insulin / blood
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Obesity / metabolism*

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Neurog3 protein, mouse
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidases and Tripeptidyl-Peptidases
  • dipeptidyl peptidase II