Speaker: Dr. Pere Puigserver
Department of Cell Biology
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Harvar Medical School - University of Harvard
Boston - USA

Host

Dr. Joan Guinovart,IRB Barcelona

Friday, 16 July, 12.00h, Aula Fèlix Serratosa

Abstract

One of the most established and powerful whole body regulatory systems that control nutrient and energy homeostasis in multiple organisms is insulin. Dynamic regulation of insulin signaling and coupling to activities of metabolic enzymes and gene expression is critical to maintain nutrient homeostasis and to allow a timely distribution of fuel to the different tissues. In fact, improper function of these regulatory networks can lead to insulin resistance and disease states. Insulin signal transduction and the components regulating tissue-specific metabolism are fairly well identified, yet the dynamic nature in which these pathways operate in different tissues is very unclear. Recently, our laboratory has identified a new nutrient regulated protein kinase termed Cdc2-like kinase 2 (Clk2) that is an important component of insulin signaling controlling key metabolic functions. In contrast to activation of most kinases, Clk2 protein is induced by insulin through Akt activation of Clk2 kinase activity. Clk2 functions suppresses key hepatic insulin metabolic actions such as glucose production through direct phosphorylation and repression of the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1a. Results will be presented and discussed to further understand the role of this kinase in nutrient cycling and energy metabolism in the context of metabolic diseases.

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