SNARE‐binding protein synaptosomal‐associated protein of 29 kDa (SNAP29) regulates the intracellular sequestration of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) vesicles in adipocytes

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Insulin stimulates translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) from the perinuclear location to the plasma membrane. In the unstimulated state, intracellular vesicles containing GLUT4 are sequestered into specialized storage vesicles that have come to be known as the insulin‐responsive compartment (IRC). The IRC is a functional compartment in the perinuclear region that is a target of the insulin signaling cascade, although its precise nature is unclear. Here, we report a novel molecular mechanism facilitating formation of the IRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined synaptosomal‐associated protein of 29 kDa (SNAP29) by mass spectrometry to be an EH domain‐containing protein 1 (EHD1)‐binding protein. Then, its expression was confirmed by western blotting. Subcellular localization of SNAP29 was determined by immunofluorescent microscopy. Interactions between SNAP29 and syntaxins were determined by immunoprecipitation. We measured glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in 3T3‐L1 adipocyte expressing SNAP29 or silencing SNAP29. RESULTS: We found SNAP29 to be localized in the perinuclear region and to show partial co‐localization with GLUT4 under basal conditions. We also found that SNAP29 binds to syntaxin6, a Qc‐SNARE, in adipocytes. In SNAP29‐expressing cells, vesicles containing GLUT4 were observed to aggregate around the perinuclear region. In contrast, when SNAP29 was silenced, perinuclear GLUT4 vesicles were dispersed throughout the cytosol. Insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake was inhibited in both SNAP29‐expressing and SNAP29‐silenced cells. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that SNAP29 sequesters and anchors GLUT4‐containing vesicles in the perinuclear region, and might have a role in the biogenesis of the perinuclear IRC.