Abstract

Insulin's ability to acutely stimulate glucose uptake and metabolism in peripheral tissues is essential for normal glucose homeostasis. Resistance to this insulin effect is a major pathogenic feature of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Although many of the proximal steps in insulin signaling have been identified, the molecular mechanisms underlying insulin resistance under various metabolic states are still unclear. Recent study suggests that Rho-kinase is an important mediator of insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis. Specifically, Rho-kinase directly controls insulin receptor substrate-1, which plays an important role in regulating insulin action. Inhibition of Rho-kinase function results in a decreased insulin response, leading to insulin resistance. Thus, Rho-kinase is identified as a novel regulator of insulin action and glucose homeostasis, and a potential target for new diabetes drugs.