Joseph L Zapater1, Kristen R Lednovich1, Brian T Layden2. 1. Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. 2. Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. blayde1@uic.edu.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication conferring an increased risk to the individual of developing type 2 diabetes. As such, a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of GDM is warranted. Hexokinase domain containing protein-1 (HKDC1) is a recently discovered protein containing hexokinase activity which has been shown to be associated with glucose metabolism during pregnancy. Here, we discuss recent evidence suggesting roles for the novel HKDC1 in gestational glucose homeostasis and the development of GDM and overt diabetes. RECENT FINDINGS: Genome-wide association studies identified variants of the HKDC1 gene associated with maternal glucose metabolism. Studies modulating HKDC1 protein expression in pregnant mice demonstrate that HKDC1 has roles in whole-body glucose utilization and nutrient balance, with liver-specific HKDC1 influencing insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, gluconeogenesis, and ketone production. HKDC1 has important roles in maintaining maternal glucose homeostasis extending beyond traditional hexokinase functions and may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication conferring an increased risk to the individual of developing type 2 diabetes. As such, a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of GDM is warranted. Hexokinase domain containing protein-1 (HKDC1) is a recently discovered protein containing hexokinase activity which has been shown to be associated with glucose metabolism during pregnancy. Here, we discuss recent evidence suggesting roles for the novel HKDC1 in gestational glucose homeostasis and the development of GDM and overt diabetes. RECENT FINDINGS: Genome-wide association studies identified variants of the HKDC1 gene associated with maternal glucose metabolism. Studies modulating HKDC1 protein expression in pregnant mice demonstrate that HKDC1 has roles in whole-body glucose utilization and nutrient balance, with liver-specific HKDC1 influencing insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, gluconeogenesis, and ketone production. HKDC1 has important roles in maintaining maternal glucose homeostasis extending beyond traditional hexokinase functions and may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Authors: Heather P Harding; Yuhong Zhang; Huiquing Zeng; Isabel Novoa; Phoebe D Lu; Marcella Calfon; Navid Sadri; Chi Yun; Brian Popko; Richard Paules; David F Stojdl; John C Bell; Thore Hettmann; Jeffrey M Leiden; David Ron Journal: Mol Cell Date: 2003-03 Impact factor: 17.970
Authors: Anne K Jenum; Kjersti Mørkrid; Line Sletner; Siri Vangen; Siri Vange; Johan L Torper; Britt Nakstad; Nanna Voldner; Odd H Rognerud-Jensen; Sveinung Berntsen; Annhild Mosdøl; Torild Skrivarhaug; Mari H Vårdal; Ingar Holme; Chittaranjan S Yajnik; Kåre I Birkeland Journal: Eur J Endocrinol Date: 2011-11-22 Impact factor: 6.664