AS160: a widely-expressed Rab GTPase-activating protein which apparently plays a role in mediating insulin action. Phosphorylated by the Ser/Thr protein kinase Akt in response to insulin. Is redistributed from low-density microsomes to the cytosol upon insulin treatment. Insulin stimulation of GLUT4 exocytosis is dependent on AS160. The translocation of GLUT4 from intracellular storage sites to the cell surface functions to stimulate insulin uptake by adipose and muscle tissue. Its expression is decreased by twofold in pancreatic islets in type 2 diabetes patients compared to control subjects; its phosphorylation is impaired in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetics. The protein is expressed in pancreatic Langerhans islets, including beta cells. Up-regulated in T cells from patients with atopic dermatitis. Two alternatively spliced isoforms have been described. Isoform 2, which promotes GLUT4 translocation at the plasma membrane, is the highest overexpressed in most tissues. Isoform 2 shows a cytoplasmic perinuclear localization in a myoblastic cell line in resting and insulin-stimulated cells Isoform 2 is strongly expressed in adrenal and thyroid gland, and also in lung, kidney, colon, brain and adipose tissue. Isoform 2 is moderately expressed in skeletal muscle. Isoform 1 is highly expressed in skeletal muscle and heart, but was not detectable in the liver or adipose tissue.
Protein type: GAPs; GAPs, Rab
Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 13q22.2
Cellular Component: cytoplasm; cytoplasmic vesicle membrane; endomembrane system; intracellular
Molecular Function: GTPase activator activity; Rab GTPase binding
Biological Process: cellular response to insulin stimulus; intracellular protein transport; regulation of vesicle fusion; vesicle-mediated transport
Disease: Diabetes Mellitus, Noninsulin-dependent, 5
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