GULP1 deficiency reduces adipogenesis and glucose uptake via downregulation of PPAR signaling and disturbing of insulin/ERK signaling in 3T3‐L1 cells

Abstract Obesity and metabolic disorders caused by alterations in lipid metabolism are major health issues in developed, affluent societies. Adipose tissue is the only organ that stores lipids and prevents lipotoxicity in other organs. Mature adipocytes can affect themselves and distant metabolism‐related tissues by producing various adipokines, including adiponectin and leptin. The engulfment adaptor phosphotyrosine‐binding domain‐containing 1 (GULP1) regulates intracellular trafficking of glycosphingolipids and cholesterol, suggesting its close association with lipid metabolism. However, the role of GULP1 in adipocytes remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the function of GULP1 in adipogenesis, glucose uptake, and the insulin signaling pathway in adipocytes. A 3T3‐L1 cell line with Gulp1 knockdown (shGulp1) and a 3T3‐L1 control group (U6) were established. Changes in shGulp1 cells due to GULP1 deficiency were examined and compared to those in U6 cells using microarray analysis. Glucose uptake was monitored via insulin stimulation in shGulp1 and U6 cells using a 2‐NBDG glucose uptake assay, and the insulin signaling pathway was investigated by western blot analysis. Adipogenesis was significantly delayed, lipid metabolism was altered, and several adipogenesis‐related genes were downregulated in shGulp1 cells compared to those in U6 cells. Microarray analysis revealed significant inhibition of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signaling in shGulp1 cells compared with U6 cells. The production and secretion of adiponectin as well as the expression of adiponectin receptor were decreased in shGulp1 cells. In particular, compared with U6 cells, glucose uptake via insulin stimulation was significantly decreased in shGulp1 cells through the disturbance of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. This is the first study to identify the role of GULP1 in adipogenesis and insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake by adipocytes, thereby providing new insights into the differentiation and functions of adipocytes and the metabolism of lipids and glucose, which can help better understand metabolic diseases.