HT22 cell differentiation reduces insulin receptor levels

Abstract

Purpose: The brain is an insulin-sensitive organ and has widespread insulin receptor (IR) expression. IR signaling in the brain is essential for neuronal development, feeding behavior, body weight, and cognitive processes such as attention, learning, and memory. HT22 cells, which are derived from parent HT4 cells that are immortalized from primary mouse hippocampal neuronal cells are used in research related to insulin signaling. However, the role of these cells in insulin signaling is not known. In this study, we aimed to examine IR levels in cells differentiated using neurobasal medium. Material and methods: For the study, briefly, the cells were seeded in 6-well plates at 2x105 cells/well for 24 h. After the cells reached 80% confluence, the normal growth medium was replaced with a differentiation medium and the cells were incubated for 72 hours at 370C in 5% CO2. Western blot procedure was used to determine the expression of the IR. Result: Our results show that differentiation of HT22 cells stimulates neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, IR protein levels were significantly downregulated in differentiated HT22 cells. Conclusion: This finding may require careful consideration of the use of neurobasal medium in conditions where IR signaling is important.