TAS1R3 regulates GTPase signaling in human skeletal muscle cells for glucose uptake

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Abstract

Background

Taste receptor type 1 member 3 (TAS1R3) is a class C G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) traditionally associated with taste perception. While its role in insulin secretion is established, its contribution to skeletal muscle glucose uptake a process responsible for 70–80% of postprandial glucose disposal remains unclear.

Methods

TAS1R3 expression was assessed in skeletal muscle biopsies from non-diabetic and type 2 diabetes (T2D) donors using qPCR and immunoblotting. Functional studies in human LHCN-M2 myotubes involved TAS1R3 inhibition with lactisole or siRNA-mediated knockdown, followed by measurement of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake using radiolabeled glucose assays. Rac1 activation and phospho-cofilin were analyzed by G-LISA and Western blotting, and Galphaq/11 involvement was tested using YM-254890.

Results

TAS1R3 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in T2D skeletal muscle. Pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of TAS1R3 impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in myotubes.

Conclusion

TAS1R3 regulates skeletal muscle glucose uptake through a non-canonical insulin signaling pathway involving Rac1 and phospho-cofilin, independent of IRS1-AKT and Galphaq/11 signaling. These findings identify TAS1R3 as a key determinant of Rac1-mediated glucose uptake and a potential therapeutic target for improving insulin sensitivity in T2D.

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