Sphingomyelinase activates GLUT4 translocation via a cholesterol-dependent mechanism.

A basis for the insulin mimetic effect of sphingomyelinase on glucose transporter isoform GLUT4 translocation remains unclear. Because sphingomyelin serves as a major determinant of plasma membrane cholesterol and a relationship between plasma membrane cholesterol and GLUT4 levels has recently become apparent, we assessed whether GLUT4 translocation induced by sphingomyelinase resulted from changes in membrane cholesterol content. Exposure of 3T3-L1 adipocytes to sphingomyelinase resulted in a time-dependent loss of sphingomyelin from the plasma membrane and a concomitant time-dependent accumulation of plasma membrane GLUT4.

Ceramide and glucosamine antagonism of alternate signaling pathways regulating insulin- and osmotic shock-induced glucose transporter 4 translocation.

In addition to insulin, hyperosmolarity induces glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. However, in contrast to insulin this stimulation is independent of PI3K/Akt. In this study we assessed whether ceramide and/or glucosamine, two known insulin-signaling antagonists, also affected the PI3K/Akt-independent signal.