KSR2 is an essential regulator of AMP kinase, energy expenditure, and insulin sensitivity

Cell Metab. 2009 Nov;10(5):366-78. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2009.09.010.

Abstract

Kinase suppressors of Ras 1 and 2 (KSR1 and KSR2) function as molecular scaffolds to potently regulate the MAP kinases ERK1/2 and affect multiple cell fates. Here we show that KSR2 interacts with and modulates the activity of AMPK. KSR2 regulates AMPK-dependent glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and glycolysis in a neuronal cell line. Disruption of KSR2 in vivo impairs AMPK-regulated processes affecting fatty acid oxidation and thermogenesis to cause obesity. Despite their increased adiposity, ksr2(-/-) mice are hypophagic and hyperactive but expend less energy than wild-type mice. In addition, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies reveal that ksr2(-/-) mice are profoundly insulin resistant. The expression of genes mediating oxidative phosphorylation is also downregulated in the adipose tissue of ksr2(-/-) mice. These data demonstrate that ksr2(-/-) mice are highly efficient in conserving energy, revealing a novel role for KSR2 in AMPK-mediated regulation of energy metabolism.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Energy Metabolism* / physiology
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Glycolysis / physiology
  • Insulin Resistance* / physiology
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Phosphorylation
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Thermogenesis / physiology

Substances

  • Fatty Acids
  • KSR2 protein, mouse
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Glucose

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE17923