Regulatory role of isthmin-1 in glucose and lipid metabolism and its clinical implications

doi:10.16352/j.issn.1001-6325.2026.03.0445

Abstract

Abstract: Isthmin-1 (ISM1), a novel adipokine, regulates glucose and lipid metabolism with a tissue-specific manner. In skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, ISM1 activates the insulin-independent mTORC2/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, promoting GLUT4 translocation to the membrane, enhancing glucose uptake, and improving insulin sensitivity. In the liver, ISM1 suppresses the transcriptional activity of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1(Srebp1c) and the expression of downstream lipid synthesis genes, thereby reducing de novo lipogenesis. However, ISM1 exhibits pro-inflammatory potential in the adipose microenvironment, which may contribute to local inflammation and fibrosis. These tissue-specific regulatory effects highlight ISM1′s potential as a novel target for developing individualized, precision therapies for metabolic diseases.

Key words: isthmin-1, adipokine, glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, metabolic inflammation

CLC Number:

R589

HE Ping, WANG Yan. Regulatory role of isthmin-1 in glucose and lipid metabolism and its clinical implications[J]. Basic & Clinical Medicine, 2026, 46(3): 445-449.

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