Implication of Adipogenesis-Coupled CRMP2 Functional Profile in Metabolic Homeostasis and Imbalance

Our previous studies demonstrated that collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) is associated with obesity and, in addition, that hyperglycemia-suppressed CRMP2 augments malignant traits of colorectal cancer and is associated with advanced tumor stage. Regulation of CRMP2 profile was further explored in this study using 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte adipogenesis as a study model for illustrating the roles of CRMP2 in metabolic homeostasis. Hyperglycemia inhibited expression of CRMP2, adipogenic machinery and adipocyte markers. CRMP2 displayed f-CRMP2 (62~66 kDa) and s-CMRP2 (58 kDa) isoforms at the growth arrest phase. Expression of s-CRMP2 was coupled with the mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) phase to direct cell proliferation and rapidly down-regulated in post-mitotic cells. In the late differentiation phase, f-CRMP2 was co-localized with tubulin in the cortical area. Insulin-enhanced CRMP2-glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) co-localization and CRMP2 puncta on lipid droplets (LDs) suggested participation of CRMP2 in GLUT4 translocation and LD fusion. Collectively, the CRMP2 functional profile must be finely controlled to adjust cytoskeletal stability for meeting dynamic cellular needs. Manipulating the s-CRMP2/f-CRMP2 ratio and thus the cytoskeleton dynamics is anticipated to improve glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity. In summary, our data provide molecular evidence explaining the functions of CRMP2 in physiological, pathological and disease progression in metabolic homeostasis and disorders related to metabolic abnormalities, including cancer.