New Insights into the Role of ENPP1 in Insulin Resistance

New Insights into the Role of ENPP1 in Insulin Resistance

Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein highly expressed in adipocytes and also found in other tissues involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, including liver, skeletal muscle and beta cell of the pancreas. Early studies demonstrated that ENPP1 interacts with the insulin receptor at the level of the alpha subunit. This interaction results in decreased insulin-mediated activation of the tyrosine phosphorylation in the beta-subunit of the insulin receptor, and downstream insulin signaling activation.